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avoidance gradient

the variation in the strength of a drive as a function of the organism’s proximity to an aversive stimulus. For example, a rat’s withdrawal behavior increases in intensity as it nears a feared stimulus (e.g., an electric shock). The avoidance gradient appears steeper than the approach gradient. [originally proposed by Neal E. Miller]

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Psychology term of the day

October 18th 2024

nadle

nadle

n. see two-spirit.