baseline assessment

1. a process of obtaining information about a participant’s status (e.g., ability level, psychological well-being) before exposure to an intervention, treatment, or other study manipulation. The information so obtained is compared to data gathered during the course of the research in order to identify any effects associated with the study conditions.

2. the measurement of characteristics of humans and other animals at a particular point in development in order to evaluate natural changes in these characteristics over time.

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

cochlear implant

an electronic device designed to enable individuals with complete deafness to hear and interpret some sounds, particularly those associated with speech. It consists of a microphone to detect sound, a headpiece to transmit sound, a processor to digitize sound, and a receiver to signal electrodes that are surgically implanted in the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve. In contrast to a hearing aid, which amplifies sound, it directly stimulates the auditory nerve.