neural synchrony

the simultaneous firing or activation of neurons in multiple areas of the brain, particularly in response to the same stimulus. Many motor and higher level cognitive processes (see executive functions) appear to be based on the coordinated interactions of large numbers of neurons distributed within and across different specialized brain areas. Additionally, recent research suggests dysfunctions in neural synchrony may be associated with several psychological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders.

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Psychology term of the day

March 13th 2025

class inclusion

the concept that a subordinate class (e.g., dogs) must always be smaller than the superordinate class in which it is contained (e.g., animals). Jean Piaget believed that understanding the concept of class inclusion represented an important developmental step. Children progress from classifications based on personal factors, perceptual features, and common function to classifications based on hierarchical relationships; for example, a monkey is a primate, a mammal, and a vertebrate animal. See concrete operation.