resurgence

n. in conditioning, the reappearance of previously reinforced and then extinguished responses during a period of extinction for a subsequently learned response. For example, a rat might be presented with two levers. First, presses on Lever A are reinforced; next, presses on Lever A are subjected to extinction and presses on Lever B are reinforced. Pressing on A will cease, and pressing on B will occur. Finally, extinction is arranged for presses on B, so that no reinforcement is available in the situation. As responding on B declines, pressing on A will increase temporarily.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

institutionalized racism

differential treatment of individuals on the basis of their racial group by religious organizations, governments, businesses, the media, educational institutions, and other large social entities. Examples include discrimination in hiring, promotion, and advancement at work; restrictive housing regulations that promote segregation; unfair portrayal of minority members in newspapers and magazines; and legal statutes that restrict the civil liberties of the members of specific racial categories. A parallel phenomenon exists for sexism. Also called institutional racism.