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environmental load theory

the theory that humans have a limited ability to handle environmental stimuli. The limit is determined by the amount of information inputs that can be processed by the central nervous system. When the environmental load exceeds the individual’s capacity for processing, the central nervous system reacts by ignoring some of the inputs. See also cognitive overload; information overload; sensory overload; stimulus overload.

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Psychology term of the day

September 17th 2024

scrying

scrying

n. a divination practice in which a person attempts to see visions of or gain insights about the past, present, or future by staring into fire, smoke, or more commonly, a shiny, opaque, or reflective medium, such as water, crystals or a crystal ball, glass, or mirrors. See also crystal gazing.