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latent learning

learning that is acquired without conscious effort, awareness, intention, or reinforcement and is not manifested as a change in performance until a specific need for it arises. For example, a student writing an exam may be able to cite a quotation encountered earlier accurately without having made an effort previously to learn it. Among nonhuman animals, a rat allowed to explore a maze without reward will later learn to find the goal more rapidly than a rat without prior exposure to the maze does. See also incidental learning. [first described by Edward C. Tolman]

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Psychology term of the day

January 30th 2025

anticholinergic syndrome

anticholinergic syndrome

a disorder produced by anticholinergic drugs and due to their antagonistic effects at acetylcholine receptors, marked by symptoms involving both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The former include dry mucous membranes, dry mouth, and flushed skin and face, whereas the latter include ataxia (unsteady gait), drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion and disorientation, hallucinations, and deficits, particularly of short-term memory. Tricyclic antidepressants, aliphatic phenothiazines, antiparkinsonian agents, and scopolamine are examples of drugs that can cause anticholinergic syndrome. This syndrome is often observed in patients receiving combinations of such drugs.