Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

autonomic division

 
The part of the peripheral 
nervous system that controls involuntary move-
ment of the heart, glands, lungs, and other 
organs (Module 8).

autonomy-versus-shame-and-doubt stage

 
The 
period during which, according to Erikson, tod-
dlers (ages 1½ to 3 years) develop independence 
and autonomy if exploration and freedom are 
encouraged or shame and self-doubt if they are 
restricted and overprotected (Module 37).

aversive conditioning

 
A form of therapy that 
reduces the frequency of undesired behavior by 
pairing an aversive, unpleasant stimulus with 
undesired behavior (Module 49).

axon

 
The part of the neuron that carries mes-
sages destined for other neurons (Module 7).

babble

 
Meaningless speechlike sounds made 
by children from around the age of 3 months 
through 1 year (Module 25).

background stressors (“daily hassles”)

 
Everyday annoyances, such as being stuck in 
traffi c, that cause minor irritations and may have 
long-term ill effects if they continue or are com-
pounded by other stressful events (Module 43).

basilar membrane

 
A vibrating structure that 
runs through the center of the cochlea, dividing 
it into an upper chamber and a lower chamber 
and containing sense receptors for sound 
(Module 12).

behavior modifi cation

 
A formalized technique 
for promoting the frequency of desirable 

androgens

 
Male sex hormones secreted by the 
testes (Module 33).

anorexia nervosa

 
A severe eating disorder in 
which people may refuse to eat while denying 
that their behavior and appearance—which can 
become skeleton-like—are unusual (Module 30).