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descriptive statistics

procedures for depicting the main aspects of sample data, without necessarily inferring to a larger population. Descriptive statistics usually include the mean, median, and mode to indicate central tendency, as well as the range and standard deviation that reveal how widely spread the scores are within the sample. Descriptive statistics could also include charts and graphs such as a frequency distribution or histogram, among others. Compare inferential statistics.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

tendon reflex

tendon reflex

the automatic contraction of a muscle elicited by stretching a tendon. Such reflexes are mediated by tendon stretch detectors, called Golgi tendon organs. An example of a tendon reflex is the patellar reflex, elicited by tapping or stretching the patellar tendon just below the kneecap. Also called deep reflex.