irradiation theory of learning

the theory that each stimulus activates a specific set of cells in the brain, and this activation spreads (irradiates). Two stimuli become associated when their areas of activation overlap. Irradiation was hypothesized by Ivan Pavlov to be the neural basis for classical conditioning.

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Psychology term of the day

January 29th 2025

mind reading

a form of alleged extrasensory perception in which an individual claims to have access to the thoughts of another person. With thought transference, it is one of the two main forms of telepathy.