helping

n. a type of prosocial behavior in which one or more individuals act to improve the status or well-being of one or more others. Although helping behavior is typically in response to a small request that involves little individual risk, all helping behavior incurs some cost to the individual providing it. See also altruism; egoistic helping.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

contrast polarity

the degree of contrast between two visual elements, particularly figure and background. Contrast can be positive (light objects against dark backgrounds, e.g., a white letter printed upon black paper) or negative (dark objects against light backgrounds, e.g., a black letter printed upon white paper).