Sample Definition
A sample is a subset of a population that is used to represent the entire group...

Schedules of Reinforcement Definition
Schedules of reinforcement have a major impact on how fast a behavior is acquired and the strength of the response. Learn more about different schedules of reinforcement...

Schema Definition
In psychology, a schema is a cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information in the world around us.

Schizoid Personality Disorder Definition
Schizoid personality disorders is a chronic and pervasive condition characterized by detachment and a lack of desire to form close relationships with other people...

Schizotypal Personality Disorder Definition
A personality disorder characterized by "magical thinking," difficulty forming relationships and severe social anxiety...

Secondary Process Definition
The secondary process is the mechanism that discharges tension caused by the friction between the id and ego.

Secondary Reinforcement Definition
Secondary reinforcement involves creating an association between a stimulus and a primary reinforcer...

Selective Attrition Definition
In psychology experiments, selective attrition describes the tendency of some people to be more likely to drop out of a study than others...

Self-Actualization Definition
Self-actualization refers to fulfilling ones individual potential. Learn more about self-actualization and its role in Maslow's hierarchy of needs...

Self-Concept Definition
Self-concept refers to the image with have of ourselves. Learn more about how self-concept develops and how it impacts various areas of our lives.

Self-Efficacy Definition
Self-efficacy is a person?s belief in his or her ability to succeed in a particular situation...

Self-Esteem Definition
In psychology, the term self-esteem is used to describe a person's overall sense of self-worth or personal value...

Sensorimotor Stage Definition
The sensorimotor stage is the first stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development.

Serotonin Definition
Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that is found mainly in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract...

Short-Term Memory Definition
Short-term memory is also known as active or primary memory. Learn more about short-term memory, including how long it lasts and how it differs from working memory.

Skinner Box Definition
Developed by B. F. Skinner, a Skinner box is a chamber that contains a bar or key that an animal can press or manipulate...

Social Cognition Definition
Social cognition is an important topic within social psychology focused on how we store, process, and use information about other people.

Social Comparison Process Definition
The term social comparison process refers to the process through which people come to know themselves by evaluating their own attitudes, abilities, and beliefs in comparison with others...

Social Exchange Theory Definition
Social exchange theory suggests that social behavior is the result of an exchange process.

Social Loafing Definition
Social loafing occurs when people are part of a group. When people are in a group, they tend to put forth less effort.

Social Psychology Definition
Social psychology looks at a wide range of social topics, including group behavior, social perception, leadership, nonverbal behavior, conformity, aggression, and prejudice...

Social Reinforcement Definition
Social reinforcement can be a powerful force in everyday life and has an enormous sway on everything from how we behave around friends to the health choices we make.

Sociocultural Theory Definition
Sociocultural theory is a theory of development that stress the important of socialization on cognitive development. Learn more about sociocultural theory...

Somatic Nervous System Definition
The somatic system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that is responsible for carrying motor and sensory information both to and from the central nervous system...

Spontaneous Recovery Definition
Spontaneous recovery involves the sudden reappearance of a previously extinguished response.

Stimulus Generalization Definition
In classical conditioning, stimulus generalization is the tendency for the conditioned stimulus to evoke similar responses after the response has been conditioned...

Sublimation Definition
Sublimation is a defense mechanism that involves channeling unwanted feelings into more socially acceptable forms...

Superego Definition
According to Freud?s psychoanalytic theory of personality, the superego is the component of personality composed of our internalized ideals...

Synapse Definition
A synapse is an important part of the nervous system. Learn more about what synapses do and how they work.