arousal-boost mechanism

any steadily increasing degree of general arousal associated with or produced by contact with a stimulus that gives rise to a measurable hedonic (pleasure) effect. For example, a person listening to a piece of music might find it pleasurable precisely for the heightened anticipation induced by its harmonic structure. Compare arousal-reduction mechanism. [proposed in 1967 by Daniel E. Berlyne as part of his theory of positive hedonic value as a psychological effect of art]

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

calcarine area

the region on the medial surface of the occipital lobe of the brain that surrounds the calcarine fissure. It includes parts of the striate cortex and the prestriate cortex.