submissive signal

in animal behavior, a signal given by a subordinate to a dominant animal indicating that it will not continue to compete with the other for resources. By using submissive signals low-ranking individuals avoid being attacked, and overall levels of physical aggression are reduced. See appeasement behavior; threat display.

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Psychology term of the day

January 13th 2025

discontinuity hypothesis

in Gestalt psychology, the viewpoint that emphasizes the role of sudden insight and perceptual reorganization in successful discrimination learning and problem solving. According to this view, a correct answer is only recognized when its relation to the issue as a whole is discovered. Also called discontinuity theory. Compare continuity hypothesis. See also aha experience; all-or-none learning; eureka task.