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action identification

the way in which specific behaviors, ranging from low-level muscle movements to high-level, abstract goal pursuits, are construed. For example, the behavior of pressing a key on a keyboard could be construed as I am pressing a key, I am typing, or I am writing a novel. [introduced in 1985 by Robin R. Vallacher, U.S. psychologist, and Daniel M. Wegner (1948– ), Canadian-born U.S. psychologist]

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Psychology term of the day

February 20th 2025

dual representation

dual representation

the ability to comprehend an object simultaneously as the object itself and as a representation of something else. For example, a photograph of a person can be represented both as the print itself and as the person it depicts. Also called dual encoding; dual orientation.