Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


covariance

n. a scale-dependent measure of the relationship between two variables such that corresponding pairs of values of the variables are studied with regard to their relative distance from their respective means. A positive covariance results when values of one variable that lie above the mean of that variable tend to be paired with values of the second variable that also lie above the mean of that variable. A negative covariance results when values of one variable that lie above the mean tend to be paired with values of the second variable that lie below the mean.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 14th 2025

educational sport psychology

educational sport psychology

a specialty focused on the use of psychological methods to improve performance in sport. Educational sport psychologists assist participants in sport to optimize performance enhancement through, for example, use of imagery and attentional focus. Education and training may also be informed by sport science, physical education, or kinesiology. Compare clinical sport psychology.