difference score

(symbol: D) an index of dissimilarity or change between observations from the same individual across time, based on the measurement of a construct or attribute on two or more separate occasions. For example, it would be helpful to calculate a difference score for a person’s weight at the beginning of a diet and exercise program and the final weight 6 months later. Also called change score; gain score.

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Psychology term of the day

December 27th 2024

sexual imprinting

the development of a preference for a sexual partner that occurs during a sensitive or critical period. For example, if zebra finches are cross-fostered to Bengalese finch parents for the first 40 days of life, they will prefer to mate with Bengalese finches as adults. In addition, birds often prefer to socialize with other birds that resemble those they were exposed to in the first month of life.