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perceptual extinction

an effect of lesions in the parieto-occipital region of the brain in which a stimulus, usually tactual or visual, is not detected. If a single stimulus is presented on either side of the midline, it is detected; however, when two stimuli are presented at the same time, one on each side of the midline, the stimulus on the side of the body opposite the location of the lesion is not detected. This phenomenon is utilized in neuropsychological research on attention mechanisms. Also called sensory extinction; sensory inattention.

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Psychology term of the day

November 19th 2024

stepdown test

stepdown test

a memory test used in studies of shock-avoidance learning in rats and mice. When the animal first steps down from an elevated platform in the test chamber, it receives a brief foot shock. On subsequent test trials, the animal is usually much slower to step down, indicating its memory for the shock experience; a lack of hesitation in stepping down on postshock trials is considered a sign of cognitive impairment. Also called stepdown avoidance.