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mesocortical system

a network of dopaminergic neurons in the brain that consists of the medial prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. It has connections to other parts of the limbic system, including the nucleus accumbens, nuclei of the stria terminalis, and amygdala. It receives input from the ventral tegmental area, and its activity is related to emotion, reward, and substance abuse.

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

J-curve hypothesis

J-curve hypothesis

the predicted shape of the distribution of responses in conformity settings, which reflects the fact that most individuals conform to the prescribed norm or act in ways that only slightly deviate from the norm, and few individuals exhibit substantial deviation from the norm. A classic illustration is that of drivers at a stoplight: Most respond by stopping fully, some sharply or moderately reduce speed, and a few do not change speed at all. When graphed, the number of people displaying these different reactions approximates the shape of a letter J. [first proposed in 1934 by Floyd H. Allport]