definitional formula

the formal verbal definition of a statistical concept. For example, the definitional formula of variance states that it is the mean squared difference between a score and the mean of all of the scores. This contrasts with the computational formula, which is the equation used to calculate values for the concept. Also called conceptual formula; definition formula.

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Psychology term of the day

January 29th 2025

emic

adj.

1. denoting an approach to the study of human cultures that interprets behaviors and practices in terms of the system of meanings created by and operative within a particular cultural context. Such an approach would generally be of the kind associated with ethnography rather than ethnology. Compare etic. [introduced by U.S. linguist Kenneth Pike (1912–2000); first used in anthropology by U.S. cultural anthropologist Marvin Harris (1927–2001)]

2. in linguistics, see emic–etic distinction.