Post #2 : Little Helping Words

Hi study buddies! In this post, I will be giving you a brief definition of some major terms in psychology that you might find often on my blog. I will be updating it throughout the semester, so do not be shy to check back if you are confused at some point! If you cannot find the word you are looking for here, leave a comment and I will make sure to add it. In the mean time, Google can often help you out!

        Each term is given its French equivalent and a short and sweet definition.

Behaviour (comportement) :

        Observable reactions an individual has in response to internal or external stimuli, often caused by the environment around it.

Catharsis (catharsis)

        

Hawthorne effect (effet Hawthorne) :

            Participants who are aware of the elements the researchers are looking for are more likely to change their behaviour to adopt one that they believe is wanted from them.

Parasomnia (parasomnie)

        Intense frightening created by nightmares which leads to the fear of falling asleep, and eventually developing anxiety and sleep deprivation patterns.

Participant (participant) :

        Someone who voluntarily takes part in a study, experiment or investigation by answering questions or doing simple tasks following a researcher's instructions.

Psychoanalysis (psychanalyse) :

        Theory and therapy method that focus on the interactions between the conscious and the subconscious by bringing up forgotten traumas, suppressed thoughts and concealed thoughts. The patient is encouraged to speak freely, do word associations and to write down their dreams for the therapist to then analyze and make conclusions.

Researcher (chercheur) :

        Someone who conducts or helps in the creation and/or application of a study, experiment or investigation by making participants answer questions or do simple tasks, or by observing human behaviour.

Social mores (moeurs sociales) :

        Expectations regarding behaviour within a social group which are not necessarily supported by rules or laws but can be as imperative.

Stimulus (stimulus) : 

        Internal or external situation or agent that creates a response from the individual.

Subconscious (inconscient) : 

        Part of the mind that is not easily reached where actions and emotions are influenced by unknown reasons. The subconscious also plays a big part in the creation of dreams.