Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

(AIDS)

 
A sexually transmitted infection 
caused by a virus that destroys the body’s 
immune system (Module 34).

action potential

 
An electric nerve impulse that 
travels through a neuron’s axon when it is set 
off by a “trigger,” changing the neuron’s charge 
from negative to positive (Module 7).

activation-synthesis theory

 
Hobson’s theory 
that the brain produces random electrical 
energy during REM sleep that stimulates mem-
ories stored in the brain (Module 14).

activity theory of aging

 
A theory that sug-
gests that the elderly who are most successful 
while aging are those who maintain the inter-
ests and activities they had during middle age 
(Module 39).

adaptation

 
An adjustment in sensory capacity 
after prolonged exposure to unchanging stimuli 
(Module 10).

addictive drugs

 
Drugs that produce a biologi-
cal or psychological dependence in the user so 
that withdrawal from them leads to a craving 
for the drug that, in some cases, may be nearly 
irresistible (Module 16).

adolescence

 
The developmental stage between 
childhood and adulthood (Module 38).

age of viability

 
The point at which a fetus can 
survive if born prematurely (Module 36).

aggression

 
The intentional injury of, or harm 
to, another person (Module 55).

algorithm

 
A rule that, if applied appropriately, 
guarantees a solution to a problem (Module 23).

all-or-none law