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affiliation

n. a social relationship in which a person joins or seeks out one or more other individuals, usually on the basis of liking or a personal attachment rather than perceived material benefits. Some propose that the seeking of cooperative, friendly association with others who resemble or like one or whom one likes is a fundamental human desire, referring to it variously as the affiliation motivation, affiliative drive, affiliative need, or need for affiliation. See also belonging. —affiliative adj.

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Psychology term of the day

January 2nd 2025

novelty

novelty

n. the quality of being new and unusual. It is one of the major determining factors directing attention. The attraction to novelty has been shown to begin as early as 1 year of age; for example, when infants are shown pictures of visual patterns, they will stare longer at a new pattern than at a pattern they have already seen. In consumer behavior, the attraction to novelty is manifested as a desire for a change, even in the absence of dissatisfaction with the present situation. For example, despite satisfaction with a particular product, many consumers will switch to a different brand just because it is new.