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reflexive behavior

responses to stimuli that are involuntary or free from conscious control (e.g., the salivation that occurs with the presentation of food) and therefore serve as the basis for classical conditioning. Compare planned behavior; voluntary behavior.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

rage

rage

n. intense, typically uncontrolled anger. It is usually differentiated from hostility in that it is not necessarily accompanied by destructive actions but rather by excessive expressions. In nonhuman animals, rage appears to be a late stage of aggression when normal deterrents to physical attack, such as submissive signals, are no longer effective. It generally includes rapid respiration; thrusting and jerking of limbs; and clawing, biting, and snarling.