descriptive operant

in experimental studies of behavior, the formal, physical requirements for reinforcement (see operant). For example, the descriptive operant for pressing a lever might be as follows: Any action on the part of the organism that exerts a force on the lever of 0.2 N through a distance of 5 mm will be reinforced. Compare functional operant.

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

holism

n. any approach or theory holding that a system or organism is a coherent, unified whole that cannot be fully explained in terms of individual parts or characteristics. The system or organism may have properties as a complete entity or phenomenon in addition to those of its parts. Thus, an analysis or understanding of the parts does not provide an understanding of the whole. —holistic adj.