A modest proposal for a minor revolution in the language of psychology

Article Abstract:

A small change in terminology used in psychology would be useful, and the proposal is to use the term 'satisfier' in place of 'positive reinforcement', and 'annoyer' for 'negative reinforcement'. These terms were proposed by Thorndike in an article in Animal Intelligence in 1911. Negative reinforcement is used in ambiguous ways by psychologists, and can mean either a method, or a result. Positive reinforcement can refer to avoiding a negative reinforcer, or seeking a postive reinforcer. A change in terminology would provide greater precision in language.

Language and languages

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Toward a psychology of loss

Article Abstract:

A psychology of loss based on an interdisciplinary approach can help enlighten and empower people who are experiencing a diversity of major losses in their lives. This field of psychology is broader in scope than other disciplines such as thanatology, traumatology and stress and coping because it encompasses the perception of major loss arising from death, divorce, loss of employment, genocide and other diverse events. The emphasis on people's commonsense perception of loss may improve understanding of the nuances of grief and coping with loss.

Analysis, Management, Grief, Loss (Psychology)

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Microgenetic study of change: what has it told us?

Article Abstract:

The microgenetic method has evolved out of the need for a investigative method to study change without direct observation. The method allows a subject frequent engagement with cognitive strategies under investigation, giving the researcher greater opportunities for observing the change process. The microgenetic method also highlights intraindividual variability and plasticity as basic descriptors of the human cognitive system.

Research, Change (Psychology), Psychological research

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