Clever Hans

the “thinking horse,” reputed to be able to solve mathematical problems, spell words, distinguish colors, and identify coins, that became famous in Berlin around 1900. It signaled its answers by tapping its foot. However, German psychologist Oskar Pfungst (1874–1932), using experimental methods, demonstrated that the horse was responding to minimal cues in the form of involuntary movements on the part of its owner.

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Psychology term of the day

January 27th 2025

terminal care

services for people with terminal illness, now usually provided by hospices, which may be either freestanding units or associated with hospitals, nursing homes, or extended care facilities. The emphasis is on palliative care, pain control, supportive psychological services, and involvement in family and social activities, with the goal of enabling patients to live out their lives in comfort, peace, and dignity.