Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


empirical method

any procedure for conducting an investigation that relies upon experimentation and systematic observation rather than theoretical speculation. The term is sometimes used as a vague synonym for scientific method.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

December 7th 2024

catatonia

catatonia

n. a state of muscular rigidity or other disturbance of motor behavior, such as catalepsy, extreme overactivity, or adoption of bizarre postures. It is most frequently observed in catatonic schizophrenia, but it can also occur with other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and neurological conditions such as encephalitis, among others. Also called catatonic state. —catatonic adj.