cell assembly

a group of neurons that are repeatedly active at the same time and develop as a single functional unit, which may become active when any of its constituent neurons is stimulated. This enables, for example, a person to form a complete mental image of an object when only a portion is visible or to recall a memory from a partial cue. Cell assembly is influential in biological theories of learning and memory. [proposed in 1949 by Donald O. Hebb]

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Psychology term of the day

February 14th 2025

mortality effect

the degree to which circumstances or behavior increase or decrease the incidence of death. For example, a behavioral health researcher could study the mortality effects of a fatty diet and lack of exercise, which could lead to early death from heart disease.