central coherence theory

a theory proposing that human beings have an inherent drive to form coherent wholes by integrating pieces of relevant information. Most people tend to process incoming stimuli in context in order to derive a meaningful gist of the situation, often at the expense of surface details. By contrast, individuals with autism spectrum disorder exhibit a tendency toward weak central coherence, which results in an overreliance on local or piecemeal processing and a failure to integrate information in order to process stimuli in context. Also called weak central coherence theory. [proposed in 1989 by German-born British psychologist Uta Frith (1941– )]

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

adaptometer

n. an instrument used to measure the time taken to adapt to a given amount of light, used in the diagnosis of night blindness and other visual disorders.