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Psychological Terms – Alpha Personality Factor
A higher-order trait derived from the Big Five model, proposed by John Digman (1997). It combines agreeableness, conscientiousness, and (negatively) neuroticism. The factor may indicate social desirability or emotional stability, as later described by Colin DeYoung.
A higher-order trait derived from the Big Five model, proposed by John Digman (1997). It combines agreeableness, conscientiousness, and (negatively) neuroticism. The factor may indicate social desirability or emotional stability, as later described by Colin DeYoung.
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Psychological Terms – Alpha Movement
A type of apparent movement illusion occurring when differently sized stimuli—like bars of varying lengths—alternate with a brief interval (around 60 milliseconds), producing the visual effect of one object expanding and contracting. Also called alpha motion.
A type of apparent movement illusion occurring when differently sized stimuli—like bars of varying lengths—alternate with a brief interval (around 60 milliseconds), producing the visual effect of one object expanding and contracting. Also called alpha motion.
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Psychological Terms – Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the brain that results in the deterioration of memory, cognition, and personality. Classified in DSM-5 as a neurocognitive disorder, it usually appears before the age of 65 and advances slowly, though cases may occur later in life. The disease is marked by amyloid plaques—abnormal protein deposits—and neurofibrillary tangles within neurons, leading to the death of brain cells and cortical atrophy. Neurochemically, Alzheimer’s involves a reduction in acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning. The condition has been linked to genetic mutations on chromosomes 14, 19, and 21, and mitochondrial DNA abnormalities. Beyond biological causes, Alzheimer’s has immense psychological and social impacts, affecting identity, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Cognitive therapies, memory aids, and environmental support are often employed to maintain patient autonomy.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the brain that results in the deterioration of memory, cognition, and personality. Classified in DSM-5 as a neurocognitive disorder, it usually appears before the age of 65 and advances slowly, though cases may occur later in life. The disease is marked by amyloid plaques—abnormal protein deposits—and neurofibrillary tangles within neurons, leading to the death of brain cells and cortical atrophy. Neurochemically, Alzheimer’s involves a reduction in acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning. The condition has been linked to genetic mutations on chromosomes 14, 19, and 21, and mitochondrial DNA abnormalities. Beyond biological causes, Alzheimer’s has immense psychological and social impacts, affecting identity, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Cognitive therapies, memory aids, and environmental support are often employed to maintain patient autonomy.
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Psychological Terms – Alveolar
Relating to the alveolar ridge—the hard, bony section of the palate directly behind the upper front teeth. It describes speech sounds made by placing the tongue tip against this ridge, as in the words date, late, name, say, tea, and zoo.
Relating to the alveolar ridge—the hard, bony section of the palate directly behind the upper front teeth. It describes speech sounds made by placing the tongue tip against this ridge, as in the words date, late, name, say, tea, and zoo.
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Psychological Terms – Altruistic Suicide
A form of suicide committed for the perceived benefit of others or society, described by Émile Durkheim in his typology of suicide, often linked to strong group integration.
A form of suicide committed for the perceived benefit of others or society, described by Émile Durkheim in his typology of suicide, often linked to strong group integration.
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Psychological Terms – Altruism
Selfless concern for the welfare of others, often involving actions that benefit others at a cost to oneself. It’s a key concept in social psychology and evolutionary psychology.
Selfless concern for the welfare of others, often involving actions that benefit others at a cost to oneself. It’s a key concept in social psychology and evolutionary psychology.
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Psychological Terms – Altricial
Refers to species whose young are born helpless and require significant parental care after birth, as opposed to precocial species that are relatively mature at birth.
Refers to species whose young are born helpless and require significant parental care after birth, as opposed to precocial species that are relatively mature at birth.
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Psychological Terms – Alternative Hypothesis
In statistical testing, the hypothesis that predicts a real effect or relationship exists—contrasting with the null hypothesis, which assumes no effect.
In statistical testing, the hypothesis that predicts a real effect or relationship exists—contrasting with the null hypothesis, which assumes no effect.
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Psychological Terms – Alternative Forms
Different but equivalent versions of the same psychological test or measurement instrument, designed to assess the same construct and minimize practice effects.
Different but equivalent versions of the same psychological test or measurement instrument, designed to assess the same construct and minimize practice effects.
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Psychological Terms – Alternating Perspective
A perceptual shift or perspective reversal in which the viewpoint changes while observing ambiguous figures like the Necker cube or Schröder staircase, creating alternating perceptions of depth or orientation.
A perceptual shift or perspective reversal in which the viewpoint changes while observing ambiguous figures like the Necker cube or Schröder staircase, creating alternating perceptions of depth or orientation.
