law of initial values

the principle that the initial level of a physiological response is a major determinant of a later response in that system. Thus, if an individual’s pulse rate is high, his or her cardiovascular response to an emotion-provoking stimulus will be weaker than if the initial pulse rate had been low. Also called initial value dependency; initial values law; rate dependence effect. See rate dependency. [proposed in 1931 by U.S. neuropsychiatrist Joseph Wilder (1895–1976)]

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Psychology term of the day

February 16th 2025

sun compass

the use of the sun as a directional stimulus in orientation and navigation. Because the sun appears to move across the sky during the day and has different trajectories in different seasons, a sun compass must be coupled with some form of time estimation. To head south at 9 a.m., one needs to keep the sun on the left, but at 3 p.m., one needs to keep the sun on the right. Studies of several species, ranging from bees to fish and birds, have demonstrated a time-compensated sun compass. For nocturnal species, there is evidence of a star compass.