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All-or-nothing principle

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

The principle that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all; an action potential is generated only when the stimulus reaches threshold.

AP course connection

Topic 1.3: 1.3 The Neuron and Neural Firing

Unit 1

Keep studying

Review this concept in 1.3 The Neuron and Neural FiringAP Psychology course hub

all-or-nothing principle cheat sheet for homework

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