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Jackson’s Law
The principle that states when cognitive deterioration results from neurological disease, the higher and more recently developed functions are lost first. For example, the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease drastically shrink due to the degeneration of brain cells. It first affects the parts responsible for memory and then targets the structures for language and reasoning. This law is attributed to John Hughlings Jackson, an English neurologist, best known for his investigations of epilepsy and aphasia.
Judgment
The cognitive process of forming opinions, making evaluations, or reaching conclusions based on available information and personal experiences. It involves the mental activity of comparing various factors, such as evidence, personal beliefs, values, and past experiences, to arrive at a decision. Judgment plays a crucial role in our daily lives as it helps us make sense of the world and situations. Understanding the mechanisms behind judgment and being aware of the biases that affect it, can help individuals in making more objective and informed decisions in both personal and professional contexts.
Just World Hypothesis
The Just World Hypothesis, proposed by social psychologist Melvin Lerner, suggests that individuals have a deep-seated need to believe that the world is a just and fair place, where people generally get what they deserve. According to this hypothesis, individuals tend to believe that good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people. This belief in a just world serves as a psychological defense mechanism that helps individuals maintain a sense of control, predictability, and security in their lives. The Just World Hypothesis has significant implications for understanding social attitudes, moral judgments, and reactions to inequality and injustice.
U
Unconscious Mind
The part of the mind that contains thoughts, feelings, desires, and memories that are not currently in conscious awareness. These unconscious mental contents are believed to influence our behavior, emotions, and experiences, even though we may not be consciously aware of them. The concept was popularized by Sigmund Freud, who proposed that it operates at a deeper level and can have a significant impact on our conscious thoughts and actions.
Unipolar Depression
Unipolar depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a common and serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It is referred to as “unipolar” because individuals with this condition experience only the depressive episodes without the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes that are characteristic of bipolar disorder.
Unstructured Interview
An unstructured interview is a qualitative research method and a form of an interview where the conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee flows freely without a predetermined set of questions or a strict structure. In an unstructured interview, the interviewer typically has a general topic or area of interest but allows the conversation to evolve naturally, exploring various aspects and following the interviewee’s responses. This approach aims to elicit in-depth and rich information, allowing the interviewee to express their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives freely.
L
Learned Helplessness
Learned helplessness is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when an individual learns to perceive a lack of control over their environment, leading to a sense of helplessness and decreased motivation to change or improve their situation. It was first discovered and studied by psychologist Martin Seligman through experiments involving dogs. Learned helplessness is often associated with conditions such as depression, as individuals may feel trapped and unable to improve their situation. However, it is important to note that learned helplessness is not an inherent trait but a learned response that can be unlearned through therapeutic interventions, cognitive restructuring, and building a sense of self-efficacy.
Limbic system
The limbic system is a complex network of brain structures that plays a vital role in various emotional, cognitive, and behavioral processes. Located deep within the brain, the limbic system includes structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus. It is often referred to as the “emotional brain” due to its involvement in the regulation and processing of emotions.
Libido
The term coined by Sigmund Freud, libido refers to the energy or drive associated with sexual desire and pleasure. It encompasses both physical and psychological aspects of human sexuality. According to Freud, libido is a fundamental motivating force that influences our behavior and contributes to our overall psychological well-being. It is not limited to sexual activity alone but extends to various aspects of life, including creativity, ambition, and the pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction.
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Yerkes-Dodson Law
The Yerkes-Dodson Law describes the relationship between arousal and performance. The law proposes that performance is best when arousal is moderate, neither too low nor too high. When arousal levels are too low, individuals may lack the necessary motivation and energy to engage fully in a task, resulting in decreased performance. On the other hand, when arousal levels are too high, individuals may become overly anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, leading to a decline in performance.
BLOG BY: DEEBHA SITHTA
