Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

sexually transmitted infection (STI)

 
A disease 
acquired through sexual contact (Module 34).

shaping

 
The process of teaching a complex 
behavior by rewarding closer and close 
approximations of the desired behavior 
(Module 18).

short-term memory

 
Memory that holds infor-
mation for 15 to 25 seconds (Module 20).

signifi cant outcome

 
An outcome in which the 
observed outcome would be expected to have 
occurred by chance with a probability of .05 or 
less (Modules 5, 58).

situational causes (of behavior)

 
Perceived 
causes of behavior that are based on environ-
mental factors (Module 52).

skin senses

 
The senses of touch, pressure, 
temperature, and pain (Module 12).

social cognition

 
The cognitive processes by 
which people understand and make sense of 
others and themselves (Module 52).

social cognitive approaches to personality

 
Theories that emphasize the infl uence of a 
person’s cognitions—thoughts, feelings, expec-
tations, and values—as well as observation of 
others’ behavior, in determining personality 
(Module 41).
reversing the changes brought about by arousal 
(Module 33).

resting state

 
The state in which there is a nega-
tive electrical charge of about –70 millivolts 
within a neuron (Module 7).

reticular formation

 
The part of the brain 
extending from the medulla through the pons 
and made up of groups of nerve cells that can 
immediately activate other parts of the brain to 
produce general bodily arousal (Module 9).