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Living psychology: animal minds
Living psychology: animal minds

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Living psychology: animal minds glossary

Glossary for DD210-1 Living Psychology: Animal Minds

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E

Ecological validity

The extent to which a study reflects naturally occurring or everyday situations.


Endogenous opioids

Naturally-occurring chemicals within the body (endogenous means 'produced within') that give rise to sensations of pleasure and reduce sensations of pain. The term 'opioid' derives from their similarity to plant-based opiates, such as morphine, which are derived from the opium poppy.

Ethology

The study of animal behaviour under natural conditions.


Evolutionary psychology

The study of the evolution of human characteristics

Evolutionary theory

The theory that species change over time.

Executive function

An umbrella term used to refer to the skills and abilities which allow people to regulate and control their thoughts and actions; for example, in planning and executing tasks.

Experiment

A research method that looks at the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable.