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instinct

n.

1. an innate, species-specific biological force that impels an organism to do something, particularly to perform a certain act or respond in a certain manner to specific stimuli. See also hormic psychology.

2. in classical psychoanalytic theory, a basic biological drive (e.g., hunger, thirst, sex, aggression) that must be fulfilled in order to maintain physical and psychological equilibrium. Sigmund Freud classified instincts into two types: those derived from the life instinct and those derived from the death instinct. See also component instinct; erotic instinct; libido; satisfaction of instincts; sexual instinct.

3. in popular usage, any inherent or unlearned predisposition (behavioral or otherwise) or motivational force. —instinctive or instinctual adj.

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Psychology term of the day

March 28th 2024

fidelity

fidelity

n.

1. faithfulness to a person, group, belief, or the like.

2. the degree of accuracy of a measuring instrument or statistical model. For example, a representation derived from structural equation modeling that depicts a pattern of relationships between health attitudes and behaviors could be said to have fidelity if it accurately explains the variation and covariation in the data.

3. the degree of accuracy of sound or visual reproduction in an electronic device (e.g., a sound system, television).