Category: I

  • Insufflation

    The blowing of a medical powder into any body cavity. The act of blowing gas, vapour or powder into the lungs or another body cavity as a treatment. Blowing of a material (e.g., gas or powder) into a tube, cavity, or organ of the body to allow visual examination, to determine if an obstruction is…

  • Insufficiency

    A condition that results when a heart valve cannot close fully, thus allowing blood to return to the chamber from which it just left. The fact of not being strong or large enough to perform usual functions. The incompetence of an organ. Inability of an organ or part, such as the heart or kidney, to…

  • Instrumental learning

    A learning theory that asserts that learning consists of the strengthening or weakening of particular responses.  

  • Instrumental competence

    An overarching ability to function effectively, characterized by social responsibility, independence or self-sufficiency, and an achievement orientation. Operant conditioning.  

  • Instrumental behavior

    Behavior that leads to the attainment of a goal.  

  • Instrumental aggression

    Aggressive acts that are designed to achieve a goal other than that of hurting another person.  

  • Instruction materials center (IMC)

    An area where students may use books, journals, computer software, recordings, etc., to enhance their learning experiences.  

  • Instruction expenditures

    Funds spent to support the instructional efforts of an educational institution.  

  • Instructional television (ITV)

    Educational programs telecast for educational institutions, frequently on a closed-circuit basis, to enhance student learning and to enable the educational institution to offer courses to students living or working at long distances from the school or college, educational television.  

  • Instructional technology

    Typically refers to electronic hardware and software used by students and faculty to enhance the curriculum being offered by an educational institution.