conversational maxims

the four basic rules governing interpersonal communications. The rules state that such communications should be (a) truthful; (b) as informative as is required; (c) relevant to the matter under discussion; and (d) clear, orderly, and brief. Violations of these maxims are usually presumed to be deliberate or indicative of a cognitive disturbance. [introduced by British-born U.S. philosopher H. Paul Grice (1913–1988)]

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

active therapy

any form of psychotherapy in which the therapist assumes an active, directive role. An active therapist may express opinions, offer interpretations, make suggestions and recommendations, give advice about the client’s actions and decisions, issue injunctions and prohibitions, or urge the client to take a particular action, such as facing an anxiety-provoking situation directly.