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early experience

experience acquired in the first 5 years of life, which is believed to have a significant influence on a child’s subsequent cognitive, social, and emotional development. Whereas theorists in the first half of the 20th century believed that early experience permanently determined a child’s development, subsequent research has indicated that later experience can modify the effects of early experience.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

Delphi technique

Delphi technique

a method of developing and improving group consensus by eliminating the effects of personal relationships and dominating personalities. Conflict is managed by circulating a questionnaire, which is edited and summarized on the basis of the last round of comments and then reissued for further response by those participating in the survey. The Delphi technique is used in many situations where convergence of opinion is desirable (e.g., for defining goals, setting standards, or identifying and ranking needs and priorities).