blind spot

1. in vision, the area of the monocular visual field in which stimulation cannot be perceived because the image falls on the site of the optic disk in the eye.

2. a lack of insight or awareness—often persistent—about a specific area of one’s behavior or personality, typically because recognition of one’s true feelings and motives would be painful. In classical psychoanalysis, it is regarded as a defense against recognition of repressed impulses or memories that would threaten the patient’s ego. See scotomization.

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Psychology term of the day

February 21st 2025

participants’ rights

in a study approved by an institutional review board, a set of conditions relating to participants in the study and their role in the research. Participants normally should be informed about the purpose of the study (but see deception research), its procedures (i.e., what specifically is expected to occur) and the associated costs and benefits; that their data from the study will be kept confidential; whom they can contact if they have any concerns about the study; and that they can leave the study at any time without penalty. Also called subjects’ rights. See also informed consent; research ethics.