parapsychology

n. the systematic study of alleged psychological phenomena involving the transfer of information or energy that cannot be explained in terms of presently known scientific data or laws. Such study has focused largely on the various forms of extrasensory perception, such as telepathy and clairvoyance, but also encompasses such phenomena as poltergeist activity and the claims of mediums. Although parapsychologists are committed to scientific methods and procedures, the field is still regarded with suspicion by most scientists, including most psychologists. This can perhaps be attributed to three main reasons: (a) Admitting even one instance of paranormal causation would potentially lead to the reexamination and reframing of numerous established laws and principles of science; (b) even the best-documented positive findings in this area have proved impossible to replicate; and (c) some researchers have been duped by charlatans. —parapsychological adj. —parapsychologist n.

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Psychology term of the day

May 2nd 2024

drug interactions

the effects of administering two or more drugs concurrently, which alters the pharmacological action of one or more of them. Pharmacokinetic interactions alter the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the drugs; they may induce or inhibit the elimination of these drugs, leading to unexpected increases or decreases in their concentrations in the body. Pharmacodynamic interactions affect the drugs’ activities at target organs or receptor sites; they may be synergistic, enhancing the effectiveness of a drug at a target receptor or organ (see drug synergism), or antagonistic, in which the presence of one drug reduces the effectiveness of another (see antagonist).