psychoneuromuscular theory

a theory postulating how the use of mental imagery of an activity can improve the subsequent motor performance of that activity. It states that, during the processing of imagery, the brain sends impulses to the muscles. These impulses are identical to those that cause muscle contraction with movement but are of lower intensity. The neural pathways are thereby strengthened, facilitating the learning and performance of motor skills. Also called ideomotor principle. See also mental practice. [originally proposed in 1874 by British physiologist William Benjamin Carpenter (1813–1885)]

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Psychology term of the day

January 23rd 2025

analogies test

a test of the participant’s ability to comprehend the relationship between two items and then extend that relationship to a different situation: For example, paintbrush is to paint as pen is to ___.