mere-exposure effect

the finding that individuals show an increased preference (or liking) for a stimulus as a consequence of repeated exposure to that stimulus. This effect is most likely to occur when there is no preexisting negative attitude toward the stimulus object, and it tends to be strongest when the person is not consciously aware of the stimulus presentations. [identified in 1968 by Robert B. Zajonc]

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

April 18th 2024

intron

n. a sequence of DNA within a gene that does not encode any part of the gene’s ultimate product. Such sequences are transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) but are then removed during formation of the mature mRNA, which instructs the cell to synthesize a protein. Compare exon.