comparative psychology

the study of nonhuman animal behavior with the dual objective of understanding the behavior for its own sake and furthering the understanding of human behavior. Comparative psychology usually involves laboratory studies (compare ethology) and typically refers to research involving nonhuman species whether or not it utilizes the comparative method. Some comparative psychologists engage in both field and laboratory studies. See also animal–human comparison; comparative cognition.

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Psychology term of the day

January 20th 2025

germ theory

the doctrine that infectious diseases are caused by the presence and activity of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, in body tissues.