The creation of new cognitive schemas when objects experiences or other information does not fit with existing schemas
Action Potential
The firing on a neuron Occurs when the charge inside the neuron becomes more positive than the charge outside
Altruism
Behavior that is unselfish and may even be detrimental but which benefits others
Amnesia
Loss of memory Usually only a partial loss such as for a period of time or biographical information
Analysis
See Psychoanalysis
Anxiety
The physiological and psychological reaction to an expected danger whether real or imagined
Aphasia
The impairment of the ability to communicate either through oral or written discourse as a result of brain damage
Arousal Theory
The theory stating that we are motivated by our innate desire to maintain an optimal level of arousal
Assimilation
Incorporating objects experiences or information into existing schemas
Associations
The phenomenon in learning that states we are better able to remember information if it is paired with something we are familiar with or otherwise stands out
Attatchment
The strong bond a child forms with his or her primary caregiver
Attribution
An idea or belief about the etiology of a certain behavior
Authoritarian (parents)
Parenting style focused on excessive rules rigid belief systems and the expectation of unquestioned obedience
Authoritative (parents)
Parenting style focused on setting reasonable rules and expectations while encouraging communication and independence
Availability Heuristic
A rule of thumb stating that information more readily available in our memory is more important than information not as easily accessible
Aversion Therapy
A type of behavioral treatment where an aversive stimuli is paired with a negative behavior in hopes that the behavior will change in the future to avoid the aversive stimuli
Axon
The tail like part of the neuron through which information exits the cell