magnetic sense

the ability of an organism to orient itself according to the lines of force of a magnet or the magnetic fields of the earth. Some migrating birds tend to follow magnetic fields of the earth with the aid of a sensory apparatus that detects the force of magnetism. Homing pigeons use their magnetic sense as a backup system when solar cues for navigation are lacking, for example, on overcast days.

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Psychology term of the day

November 21st 2024

self-evaluation maintenance model

a conceptual analysis, related to social comparison theory, in which an individual is assumed to maintain a positive self-evaluation by (a) associating with high-achieving individuals who excel in areas with low relevance to his or her sense of self-worth and (b) avoiding association with high-achieving individuals who excel in areas that are personally important to him or her. [developed by U.S. social psychologists Abraham Tesser (1941– ), Jennifer D. Campbell (1944– ), and their colleagues]