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accretion

n.

1. a form of learning resulting from the cumulative effect of repeated associations and reinforcements.

2. the accumulation of objects or material in the environment, which may indicate the degree of individual responsibility of people who use a particular area. Littering is an example of accretion. Compare erosion.

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Psychology term of the day

November 14th 2024

criterion validity

criterion validity

an index of how well a test correlates with an established standard of comparison (i.e., a criterion). Criterion validity is divided into three types: predictive validity, concurrent validity, and retrospective validity. For example, if a measure of criminal behavior is valid, then it should be possible to use it to predict whether an individual (a) will be arrested in the future for a criminal violation, (b) is currently breaking the law, and (c) has a previous criminal record. Also called criterion-referenced validity; criterion-related validity.