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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

November 18th 2024

contrast polarity

contrast polarity

the degree of contrast between two visual elements, particularly figure and background. Contrast can be positive (light objects against dark backgrounds, e.g., a white letter printed upon black paper) or negative (dark objects against light backgrounds, e.g., a black letter printed upon white paper).