tropism

n. a form of orientation observed in both plants and nonhuman animals toward or away from a stimulus, such as sunlight or gravity. The flower of a plant may turn gradually to face the sun as it moves across the sky (heliotropism), while its roots follow magnetic lines of force and the pull of gravity. Tropism contrasts with taxis, which is a directed movement toward or away from a stimulus. Compare kinesis. —tropic adj.

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Psychology term of the day

November 16th 2024

assignment therapy

a technique used in group therapy to enhance cohesiveness and communication among the participants so as to obtain maximum therapeutic benefit. A sociometric test is administered to determine the patterns of intermember relations within the group as a whole, and these patterns are then used to assign individuals to smaller, more focused groups. [articulated by Jacob L. Moreno]