Cognitive Dissonance Theory
The theory that we act to reduce the discomfort we feel when two of our thoughts are inconsistent.
Confirmation Bias
Tendency to search for information that supports our preconceptions.
Control Group
Group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.
Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder in which the person alternates between the hopelessness and lethargy of depression and the overexcited state of mania.
Critical Period
An optimal period shortly after birth when an organism's exposure to certain stimuli or experiences produces proper development.
Absolute Threshold
Minimum stimulation needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time.
Cognition
Mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.
Consciousness
Our awareness of ourselves and our environment.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
A disorder that appears in childhood and is marked by significant deficiencies in communication and social interaction, and by rigidly fixated interests and repetitive behaviors.
Altruism
Unselfish regard for the welfare of others.
Aggression
Any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally.
Confounding Variable
Factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect.
Algorithms
Methodical, logical rules that guarantees solving a particular problem.
Adolescence
The transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence.
Bystander Effect
The tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present.
Attraction
Factors that draw members of a species together.
Classical Conditioning
Learning process where a previously neutral stimulus becomes associated with a different stimulus to elicit a reflex response.
Crystallized Intelligence
Our accumulated knowledge and verbal skills; tends to increase with age.
Arousal Theory
Theory of motivation suggesting that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of alertness and physical and mental activation.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
A personality disorder in which a person (usually a man) exhibits a lack of conscience for wrongdoing, even toward friends and family members.
Correlation
Measure of the extent to which two variables change together.
Attachment
An emotional tie with another person.
Biopsychosocial Model
A model that sees health as a result of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Cross-Sectional Study
A study in which people of different ages are compared with one another.
Conformity
Adjusting behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard.