left hemisphere

the left half of the cerebrum, the part of the brain concerned with sensation and perception, motor control, and higher level cognitive processes. The two cerebral hemispheres differ somewhat in function; for example, in most people, the left hemisphere has greater responsibility for speech. See hemispheric encoding–retrieval asymmetry; hemispheric lateralization. Compare right hemisphere.

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Psychology term of the day

January 3rd 2025

noncontingent reinforcement

noncontingent reinforcement

the process or circumstances in which a stimulus known to be effective as a reinforcer is presented independently of any particular behavior. Because contingencies may arise by accident (see accidental reinforcement), behavior-independent presentation of stimuli cannot guarantee that no contingency exists between a response and the stimuli. See reinforcement.