Psychological Concepts

Gordon Allport

Gordon Allport Definition Gordon Allport was a prominent American psychologist and one of the founding figures in personality psychology. His ground-breaking theories have significantly influenced our understanding of human personality and interpersonal relations. His unique approach to psychology and influential body of work makes Allport a notable figure in the annals of psychology. The Early […]

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Primary Mental Abilities

Primary Mental Abilities Definition Primary Mental Abilities refer to the diverse yet specific domains of intellectual functioning identified by psychologist Louis Leon Thurstone. They constitute independent cognitive capabilities that enable us to perceive, process, and apply information effectively in various contexts. These abilities, comprising seven distinct faculties, provide a multifaceted understanding of human intelligence. Let’s

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Motive

Motive Definition Motive, an inherent part of human psychology, refers to the compelling internal force that stimulates a person to act in a particular way. This intrinsic desire can manifest from an array of sources such as individual experiences, cultural influences, or physiological needs. It’s the answer to the perennial question, ‘Why do we do

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Successive Approximations

Successive Approximations Definition Successive approximations, often referred to as shaping, is a method originating from the realm of behavioral psychology, specifically operant conditioning. This term is defined as the process of incrementally changing or shaping a behavior by rewarding actions that increasingly resemble the desired behavior. Each rewarded action, or step, brings the individual closer

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Successive Approximations

Successive Approximations Definition Successive approximations, often referred to as shaping, is a method derived from behavioral psychology, particularly operant conditioning. It is defined as the process of gradually changing or shaping a behavior by rewarding actions that increasingly resemble the desired behavior. Each rewarded action, or step, brings the individual closer to the ultimate goal,

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Autistic Fantasy

Autistic Fantasy Definition Autistic fantasy is a term used to describe a coping mechanism typically seen in individuals with autism, which involves intense daydreaming or fantasy. It is characterized by the creation of an elaborate, imaginative world where the individual can retreat from real-life challenges, stressors, or overwhelming sensory stimuli. This immersive and detailed form

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Token Economy

Token Economy Definition In a token economy, tokens are given as a form of positive reinforcement when an individual exhibits a targeted behavior. The tokens are then collected and later exchanged for a reward or privilege, which serves to further reinforce the desired behavior. Key Elements of a Token Economy To set up a successful

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Interpersonal Conflict

Interpersonal Conflict Definition Interpersonal conflict arises when two or more individuals perceive that their interests, ideas, or values are incompatible. This perception might be based on real differences or could be a result of misunderstandings. Types of Interpersonal Conflict Conflicts can occur in different contexts, such as work, family, friendship, or romantic relationships, and can

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Autistic Thinking

Autistic Thinking Definition Autistic thinking is a term that originates from psychodynamic theories and has been used to describe a particular type of thought process that is introspective and detached from reality. However, it is important to clarify that this concept is different from the cognitive processes observed in individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Primary Mental Abilities

Primary Mental Abilities Definition Louis Leon Thurstone identified seven primary mental abilities. These include word fluency, verbal comprehension, spatial ability, perceptual speed, numerical ability, inductive reasoning, and memory. Thurstone argued that these abilities were relatively independent of each other, and each represents a unique element of intellectual functioning. The Seven Primary Mental Abilities Word Fluency

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