S–O–R psychology

stimulus–organism–response psychology: an extension of the S–R psychology of behaviorists incorporating the notion of Robert S. Woodworth that factors within the organism help determine what stimuli the organism is sensitive to and which responses may occur. The O factors could be biological or psychological. S–O–R psychology has been extended beyond classical conditioning and instrumental conditioning to encompass areas such as marketing and consumer behavior. For example, an individual’s emotional state when shopping may influence how many products he or she purchases and the particular types or brands.

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Psychology term of the day

December 23rd 2024

cocaine abuse

in DSM–IV–TR, a pattern of cocaine use marked by recurrent significant adverse consequences related to the repeated ingestion of the substance. This diagnosis is preempted by the diagnosis of cocaine dependence: If the criteria for cocaine abuse and cocaine dependence are both met, only the latter diagnosis is given. In DSM–5, however, both have been combined into one category, stimulant use disorder, and are no longer considered distinct diagnoses. See also substance abuse.