refractory period

a period of inactivity after a neuron or muscle cell has undergone excitation. As the cell is being repolarized, it will not respond to any stimulus during the early part of the refractory period, called the absolute refractory period. In the subsequent relative refractory period, it will respond only to a stronger than normal stimulus.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

October 15th 2024

sorting test

a format for assessing the ability to conceptualize, often used in adult neuropsychological assessments or in determining a child’s level of cognitive development. The participant is asked to arrange an assortment of common objects by category. A common example is the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.