A mathematical term for an instability or transition in a non-linear dynamical system. In such a system, it is a qualitative change in its behavior (order parameter) from one attractor state to another due to a quantitative change at some critical level (a far-from-equilibrium condition) in one or more continuously varying control parameters. Where this …
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Bi-directionality
An operation of influences in two directions. So, for example, a parent and child might influence each other during interaction. See Bi-directional relationships, Co-regulation, Interaction, Reciprocity
Beneficence
The obligation upon researchers to maximize possible benefits, and minimize possible harms, for research participants. See Debriefing, Dehoaxing, Desensitizing, Pediatrics, Risk-benefit ratios
Bi-directional relationships
Those in which both partners have an effect on one another. This term is used most often to indicate that children have an impact on their parents and on parent-child relationships. See Bi-directionality, Interaction, Reciprocity
Behavioral state concept
Behaviorism
A school of psychology that studied only unambiguous behavior, which had to be measurable in order to derive scientific laws of human behavior needing only to refer to events that could be objectively defined in physical terms. It left out consciousness and introspection and avoided subjective notions such as imagining. In their place came the …
Behavioral state
Unstable, with large and sustained accelerations Four behavioral states identified in human fetus at 36-38 weeks of gestation. FHRP: fetal heart pattern. REMs: rapid eye movements. SEMs: slow eye movements. States 1F and 2F stand for ‘quiet’ sleep and REM sleep, respectively. It is questionable as to whether States 3F and 4F represent ‘quiet’ and …
Behavioral embryology
Reputedly founded by Wilhelm T. Preyer (1841-1897), it is a branch of developmental biology that studies the prenatal development of the nervous system and behaviour. Its main animal models are the chick and rat embryo. Among its successes are the Preyer-Tracy hypothesis of autogeneous motility, and more recent studies showing the anticipatory nature of prenatal …
Behavioral phenotype syndromes
Describe behaviors associated with specific genetic or chromosomal conditions, and where these behaviors are related to that particular condition. These syndromes have fairly predictable behavioral presentations and developmental sequelae, and may also be induced by environmental conditions. The term ‘behavioral phenotype’ was first used in a study published in 1972 that attempted to describe the …
Behavior variable
A term given a restricted meaning in developmental psychology by Joachim Wohlwill (1928-1987) in his book The study of behavioral development (1973). It is intended to refer to those behaviors most suitable for studying intra-individual differences in development, the key concern of developmental psychology. Two conditions have to obtain: 1. the behavior must be robust …