domain-specific ability

a cognitive ability, such as face recognition, that is specific to a task and under control of a specific function of the mind, brain, or both. Compare domain-general ability.

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Psychology term of the day

January 28th 2025

Da Costa’s syndrome

an anxiety state identified in soldiers during the American Civil War (1861–1865) in which heart palpitations were the most prominent symptom. It is now recognized as a form of panic disorder observed in soldiers during the stress of combat and marked by fatigue, heart palpitations, chest pain, and breathing difficulty. See also combat stress reaction; effort syndrome. [Jacob Méndes Da Costa (1833–1900), U.S. surgeon]