Box–Cox transformation

a transformation that enables the relationship between one or more predictor variables and an outcome variable to be described by a summative formula and thus to be plotted by a straight line when graphed. Based on maximum likelihood estimation, the technique transforms the outcome variable to obtain linearity and approximate normality in a data set. Compare Box–Tidwell transformation. [George E. P. Box (1919–2013) and David Roxbee Cox (1924– ), British statisticians]

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Psychology term of the day

February 17th 2025

sexually dimorphic nucleus

a nucleus of the central nervous system that differs in size between males and females. In humans, for example, a nucleus in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus that synthesizes gonadotropin-releasing hormone tends to be larger and more active in males than in females because gonadotropin release is continuous (it is cyclical in females). In songbirds whose males sing more than females, several brain nuclei associated with both song learning and song production are larger in males than in females.