Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

 
The rule that neurons are 
either on or off (Module 7).

altruism

 
Helping behavior that is benefi cial to 
others but clearly requires self-sacrifi ce 
(Module 55).

Alzheimer’s disease

 
A progressive brain dis-
order that leads to a gradual and irreversible 
decline in cognitive abilities (Modules 22, 39).

amnesia

 
Memory loss that occurs without 
other mental diffi culties (Module 22).

anal stage

 
According to Freud, a stage from 
age 12 to 18 months to 3 years of age, in which a 
child’s pleasure is centered on the anus 
(Module 40).
impulsiveness, a low tolerance for frustration, 
and a great deal of inappropriate activity 
(Module 47).

attitudes

 
Evaluations of a particular person, 
behavior, belief, or concept (Module 52).

attribution theory

 
The theory of personality 
that seeks to explain how we decide, on the 
basis of samples of an individual’s behavior, 
what the specifi c causes of that person’s 
behavior are (Module 52).

authoritarian parents

 
Parents who are rigid 
and punitive and value unquestioning obedi-
ence from their children (Module 37).

authoritative parents

 
Parents who are fi rm, set 
clear limits, reason with their children, and 
explain things to them (Module 37).

autism

 
A severe developmental disability that 
impairs children’s ability to communicate and 
relate to others (Module 47).

autobiographical memories

 
Our recollections 
of circumstances and episodes from our own 
lives (Module 21).