beat

1. a periodic change in loudness produced by superimposing two tones with similar frequencies. For example, the loudness of a 500 Hz tone and a 503 Hz tone when sounded together will fluctuate three times per second—the beat rate.

2. the periodic change in amplitude produced by superimposing two sinusoidal signals that are relatively close in frequency. See also roughness.

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Psychology term of the day

January 13th 2025

discontinuity hypothesis

in Gestalt psychology, the viewpoint that emphasizes the role of sudden insight and perceptual reorganization in successful discrimination learning and problem solving. According to this view, a correct answer is only recognized when its relation to the issue as a whole is discovered. Also called discontinuity theory. Compare continuity hypothesis. See also aha experience; all-or-none learning; eureka task.