activational effect

a transient hormonal effect that typically causes a short-term change in behavior or physiological activity in adult animals. For example, increased testosterone in male songbirds in spring leads to increased aggression in territory defense and increased courtship behavior. Compare organizational effect.

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Psychology term of the day

February 20th 2025

tickle experience

a sensation produced by impulses from adjacent skin receptors that are stimulated lightly in rapid succession. It is assumed that the receptors involved are also responsible for the sensations of itch and pain and that the method of stimulation accounts for the different sensations.