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behavior record

a collection of observations of an organism’s behavior within a specified time frame. In animal studies, this involves documenting all observable actions of an individual within a defined period of time. In educational psychology, a behavioral record is a teacher’s written observations of a student’s behavior and personality (see anecdotal record).

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Psychology term of the day

November 25th 2024

secular humanism

secular humanism

a broad perspective, increasingly influential in Western countries since the mid-20th century, that can be characterized by some or all of the following: (a) a belief in seeking solutions to human problems through science and rational thought rather than through religion or traditional forms of morality; (b) a focus on this world rather than on a putative afterlife; (c) an emphasis on an intrinsic human potential for growth rather than on human limitation or sinfulness; (d) a search for new truth and a belief in free thought, free speech, and free inquiry as the means to find it; (e) an acceptance of cultural and human diversity, including sexual diversity; and (f) an acceptance of some degree of relativism in ethics, usually accompanied by some type of utilitarianism in practice.