chance difference

a difference between two samples that arises from the nature of sampling itself, rather than from any intervention by a researcher. For example, scores obtained from two groups of research participants might vary because of personal factors affecting some individuals (e.g., financial worries) and not because of the conditions of the study.

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

motor program

a stored representation, resulting from motor planning and refined through practice, that is used to produce a coordinated movement. Motor programs store the accumulated experience underlying skill at a task. See also generalized motor program.