experimental psychology

the scientific study of behavior, motives, or cognition in a laboratory or other controlled setting in order to predict, explain, or influence behavior or other psychological phenomena. Experimental psychology aims at establishing quantified relationships and explanatory theory through the analysis of responses under various controlled conditions and the synthesis of adequate theoretical accounts from the results of these observations. See also empirical psychology.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

precompetition anxiety

increased cognitive and physiological arousal before a competition. Precompetition anxiety may facilitate or inhibit performance, depending on the performer’s perception of readiness or apprehension. See debilitative anxiety; facilitative anxiety.