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methyldopa

n. a drug used for treating hypertension. It acts as an agonist at alpha-adrenergic receptors in brainstem centers that control the vascular system. When stimulated by methyldopa, these receptors, which act via an inhibitory feedback mechanism, slow the release of catecholamines from central neurons involved in the regulation of blood pressure. U.S. trade name: Aldomet.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

groupthink

groupthink

n. a strong concurrence-seeking tendency that interferes with effective group decision making. Symptoms include apparent unanimity, illusions of invulnerability and moral correctness, biased perceptions of the outgroup, interpersonal pressure, self-censorship, and defective decision-making strategies. Causes are thought to include group cohesion and isolation, poor leadership, and the stress involved in making decisions. [identified by Irving L. Janis]