conceptual classification

in classification tasks, the grouping of items on the basis of their shared function or membership in a similar category, for example, cow, dog, horse; tractor, bus, motorcycle. Also called categorical classification; nominal classification; similarity classification; taxonomic classification. Compare complementary classification; idiosyncratic classification; perceptual classification.

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Psychology term of the day

March 14th 2025

behavioral contagion

the rapid copying of the activities of one or a few people by others in the vicinity, often with little analysis of the situation. For example, audience members who all applaud or rise to a standing ovation after an initial person does, regardless of whether they actually enjoyed the performance, are demonstrating behavioral contagion. Also called behavior contagion. See also emotional contagion; mass contagion; social contagion.