specificity theory

a theory holding that the mechanism of pain is—like vision and hearing—a specific modality with its own central and peripheral apparatus. According to this theory, pain is produced by nerve impulses that are generated by an injury and are transmitted directly to a pain center in the brain. Compare gate-control theory; pattern theory.

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Psychology term of the day

November 27th 2024

respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)

Sorry, "respiratory-sinus-arrhythmia-rsa" is not in the Dictionary of Psychology. Please report to APA if you believe this is an error.