weapons effect

increased hostility or a heightened inclination to aggression produced by the mere sight of a weapon. If provoked, individuals who have previously been shown a weapon will behave more aggressively than will those who have not. Subsequent research has indicated that this aggressive behavior is primed by the sight or suggestion of weapons (see priming) and that any other object associated with aggression can have the same effect. [identified in 1967 by U.S. psychologists Leonard Berkowitz (1926– ) and Anthony LePage]

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Psychology term of the day

January 26th 2025

chemotherapy

n. the use of chemical agents to treat diseases, particularly cancer, in which case it is contrasted with radiation therapy. —chemotherapeutic adj. —chemotherapist n.