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collective behavior

joint or similar actions performed by members of a collective, especially when these actions would be atypical of the same individuals outside of the collective. Examples of collective behavior by groups or aggregations concentrated in a specific location include lynching, rioting, and panics. Others, such as fads and social movements, involve widely dispersed individuals who nonetheless engage in similar actions (see collective movements).

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

contrast polarity

contrast polarity

the degree of contrast between two visual elements, particularly figure and background. Contrast can be positive (light objects against dark backgrounds, e.g., a white letter printed upon black paper) or negative (dark objects against light backgrounds, e.g., a black letter printed upon white paper).