critical

adj.

1. essential or necessary as an attribute or as a part of some process. A critical period, for example, is an essential stage in the developmental process.

2. emphasizing real or imagined faults.

3. characterized by or denoting thorough, impartial evaluation or review.

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

action readiness

a state of preparedness for action that is elicited as part of an emotional response and associated with such physiological indicators as changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and muscle tension. The term is often used synonymously with action tendency but also refers to a general readiness for action that does not involve an urge to carry out a specific behavior.