Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

retina

 
The part of the eye that converts the elec-
tromagnetic energy of light to electrical impulses 
for transmission to the brain 
(Module 11).

retroactive interference

 
Interference in which 
there is diffi culty in the recall of information 
learned earlier because of later exposure to dif-
ferent material (Module 22).

retrograde amnesia

 
Amnesia in which mem-
ory is lost for occurrences prior to a certain 
event (Module 22).

reuptake

 
The reabsorption of neurotransmit-
ters by a terminal button (Module 7).

rods

 
Thin, cylindrical receptor cells in the retina 
that are highly sensitive to light (Module 11).

Rorschach test

 
A test that involves showing a 
series of symmetrical visual stimuli to people 
who then are asked what the fi gures represent 
to them (Module 42).

sample

 
A representative subgroup of a popula-
tion of interest (Module 58).

Schachter-Singer theory of emotion

 
The belief 
that emotions are determined jointly by a non-
specifi c kind of physiological arousal and its 
interpretation, based on environmental cues 
(Module 31).

schedules of reinforcement

 
Different patterns 
of frequency and timing of reinforcement fol-
lowing desired behavior (Module 18).

schemas

 
Organized bodies of information 
stored in memory that bias the way new infor-
mation is interpreted, stored, and recalled 
(Modules 21, 52).

schizophrenia