cultural learning

the transmission, with a high degree of fidelity, of acquired information and behavior both within and across generations. Cultural learning theory proposes three stagelike levels of cultural learning: imitative learning, instructed learning, and collaborative learning. [proposed by U.S. psychologist Michael Tomasello (1950– ) and colleagues]

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Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

mantra

1. in Hinduism and Buddhism, a sacred utterance, such as a syllable, phrase, or hymn (often in Sanskrit).

2. any verbal formula used for spiritual, religious, or meditative purposes to help block out extraneous thoughts and induce a state of relaxation that enables the individual to reach a deeper level of consciousness. See also concentrative meditation; transcendental meditation. Compare yantra.