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diffraction

n. the bending or scattering of waves as they pass through an aperture or around the edge of a barrier. Diffraction most often refers to this phenomenon in light waves, but it may occur with waves of any type, including sound waves, radio waves, water waves, and so forth.

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Psychology term of the day

January 31st 2025

I statement

I statement

a communication tool in which the first person pronoun is used in talking about relationship issues. Therapists may coach clients to use “I” instead of “you” in statements, such as, “I am bothered by your habit” rather than “You have a bad habit” (which is a you statement). I statements tend to reduce the negativity and blame directed toward the other person and put the ownership of the issue with the speaker, not the listener.