Psychological Vocabulary (Advanced)

## Cognitive and Behavioral Vocabulary: Word List and Examples Learn C1-level vocabulary for discussing psychology, cognition, and human behavior in academic or analytical contexts. ### Word List **cognition** (mental processes of knowing/understanding), **perception**, **intuition** (understanding without conscious reasoning), **rationalize** (justify with logical-sounding reasons), **subconscious**, **conditioning** (learning through repeated association), **reinforcement**, **deterrent** (something that discourages an action), **motivation**, **procrastination**, **impulsivity**, **inhibition** (a restraint on behavior), **cognitive dissonance** (discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs), **confirmation bias** (favoring info that confirms existing beliefs), **groupthink** (conformity in group decision-making), **heuristic** (a mental shortcut for decision-making), **introspection**, **self-actualization** (realizing one’s full potential), **extrinsic motivation** (driven by external rewards), **intrinsic motivation** (driven by internal satisfaction), **habituation** (decreased response after repeated exposure), **desensitization**, **aversion** (a strong dislike/avoidance), **compulsion** (an irresistible urge), **obsession**, **fixation**, **denial** (refusing to accept reality), **projection** (attributing one’s own feelings to others), **repression**, **suppression**, **avoidance**, **coping mechanism**, **resilience**, **self-efficacy** (belief in one’s own ability to succeed), **autonomy**, **conformity** (matching behavior to group norms), **deviance** (departure from social norms), **socialization**, **temperament** (a person’s innate nature), **disposition**, **cognitive bias**. Examples: Confirmation bias makes us more likely to notice evidence that supports what we already believe. His procrastination often leads to unnecessary stress before deadlines. The therapist explained how avoidance can worsen anxiety over time. Groupthink can lead teams to make poor decisions without challenging assumptions. Remember: «intrinsic motivation» (internal satisfaction) and «extrinsic motivation» (external rewards) are core concepts in psychology — understanding this distinction helps analyze behavior and motivation more precisely.