Developmental psychology.pdf

590 Glossary
operations In the structure-of-intellect model of
intelligence, this dimension concerns the processing of
information. One operation for example is memory;
another is convergent thinking; still another is divergent
thinking. See structure-of-intellect model.
opponent-process theory The view that a given process
or activity, while it is occurring, activates the opposite
process. In emotion, the view that a positive feeling
eventually gives way to a negative feeling before the
normal state is attained. Having a baby arouses positive
feelings, then some negative? feelings, and then the
normal state returns.
optic chiasma The structure in the brain which transmits
visual information to both hemispheres; for each eye; it
has connections with both the left and right
hemispheres. See split-brain technique.
optic nerve The tract carrying all nerve impulses from the
eyes to the brain stem.
oral character Behavior traits pertaining to the mouth,
such as excessive eating, smoking, and gossiping,
which presumably are related to early feeding
experiences; a Freudian concept.
oral stage The first of Freud's psychosexual stages, in
which personality development is significantly influenced
by the conditions surrounding the intake of food. If this
process is managed satisfactorily, the infant should
develop an optimistic and trusting outlook. If not,
feelings of uncertainty and pessimism are likely to arise.
See psychosexual stages.
orderliness in nature An assumption that there are
discoverable relations in our world; the world is not
chaotic or ruled by chance. The relationships among
events are considered to be lawful, though the
discovery of all the details of these relationships may be
impossible. Without this assumption, scientific activity
would appear to be useless.
organic disorder A disorder related to an organ, such as
the brain, or to the physical aspects of the whole
organism. Sometimes having to do with the structure or
function of a known anatomical unit. For example, an
organic psychosis is related to impairment in the
structure of the brain, as in paresis.
organization in memory, a systematic arrangement of
material which increases the chances of successful
recall. If a series of unrelated items is organized by a
narrative or story, the chances of recalling the items
may be increased.
orienting response Adjustments in attending; any
response in relation to the reception of available
stimulation, such as pupil dilation, increased heartrate,
or a change in the electrical activity of the skin. See
attending.
osmoreceptors Receptors which are sensitive to the
passage of fluids through membranes; certain cells of
the hypothalamus have been designated as
osmoreceptors.
ossicles The three small bones in the middle ear which
amplify the vibrations of the eardrum and transmit (hem
to the inner ear.
outer ear That portion of the ear outside the cranium and
extending inward to the eardrum.
out-of-rote behavior Behavior which is not expected in a
given situation; a reaction not in accordance with typical
roles, as when a football player deserts the team in the
middle of a game.
outside density in social psychology, a measure of the
number of people per unit of land space. The ratio
concerns acreage and population, without concern for
the availability or use of buildings. See density, inside
density.
oval window A membrane at one end of a cochlear canal,
against which the ossicle known as the "stirrup"
vibrates. It makes the transition from the middle to the
inner ear.
ovaries The female reproductive glands, producing ova.
overlearning Practicing beyond the point where one is
able to perform according to the specified criterion.
overt observation In the research method of naturalistic
observation, any procedure in which the investigator's
presence and intention is known to the research
subjects. There is no effort to hide the research purpose
or process. See covert observation.
own controls A method of experimental control in which
the same subjects are used in both experimental and
control conditions.
Pacinian corpuscles (Puh-sin'-ee-un kor'-pus-lz)
Specialized end organs in the skin which are responsive
to heavy pressure.
pain-induced aggression Aggressive behavior following'
receipt of a painful stimulus. Various animals behave in
this fashion, attacking any nearby object or event,
regardless of its involvement in the painful stimulation.
papillae Small protrusions such as those found on the
surface of the tongue.
paradoxical intention | n logotherapy, a form of existential
therapy, the patient is encouraged to assume the
troublesome attitude or feeling. This confrontation, in a
therapeutic setting, is presumed to assist the individual
in gaining control over the aversive state.
paradoxical sleep Sleep which occurs during the REM
state, so-called because records of REM sleep are more
similar to records of waking states than to records of
other stages of sleep, but an individual in the REM state
is difficult to awaken.
paranoid type (pair'-uh-noyd) Pertaining to a type of
mental illness in which the person has delusions,
especially delusions of reference, such as imagining that
people are doing things or saying things about him or
her. A form of schizophrenia.
parasympathetic division The part of the autonomic
system which is most important in quiescent states of
the organism. For example, secretions of the stomach
are activated by this system, but increased emotional
activity, such as accelerated heartbeat, is checked. This
system functions in opposition to the sympathetic
system.
parental motivation The desire of both parents, male and
female, to participate in the care of the young.
paresis (puh-ree'sis) An organic psychosis usually
originating in syphilitic infection.