Psychology Basics
This learning process, demonstrated by Pavlov, pairs a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned one until it triggers a response on its own.
Classical Conditioning
A form of psychological manipulation where someone makes a target doubt their own reality.
Gaslighting
A technique used by psychics and con artists to appear knowledgeable by making high‑probability guesses.
Cold Reading
A structured piece of writing that uses evidence from credible sources to support a central claim.
Research Essay
Any evidence not created by the writer, such as articles, studies, or interviews.
Outside Source
B.F. Skinner’s method of learning in which behavior is shaped by rewards or punishments.
Operant Conditioning
A broad term for influencing someone’s emotions or decisions through deceptive or exploitative tactics.
Manipulation
The process of identifying a vulnerable individual for manipulation or recruitment.
Targetting
A type of thesis that presents a nuanced argument with multiple components or conditions.
Complex Thesis Statement
A viewpoint that opposes the writer’s claim and must be addressed in strong academic writing.
Counter Argument
This controversial experiment showed how far people would go in obeying authority, even when harming others.
Milgrim’s Obedience Study
A pattern of domination using isolation, intimidation, and micromanagement rather than physical violence.
Coercive Control
The ability to recognize the warning signs, recruitment tactics, and structures of high‑control groups.
Cult Literacy
A phrase like “According to Smith,” used to introduce evidence or quotations.
Signal Phrase
High‑quality evidence that is specific, credible, and directly relevant to the claim.
Rigorous Support
This condition impairs memory, judgment, and emotional regulation after prolonged lack of rest.
Sleep Deprivation
A strategy such as narration, analysis, or argumentation used to shape how information is presented.
This early‑stage tactic of many cults overwhelms recruits with praise and belonging.
Lovebombing
This academic process requires writers to evaluate one another’s drafts for clarity, rigor, and effective use of evidence, & sometimes offering constructive feedback that strengthens the final argument
Peer Review
Peer‑reviewed journals, scholarly books, and other expert‑vetted materials used in research.
Academic Source