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exponent

n. a number shown as a superscript of another number to indicate how many times the base number is to be multiplied by itself. For example, the base number 2 with an exponent of 3 (i.e., 23) denotes the number formed by multiplying 2 by itself three times (i.e., 2 × 2 × 2 = 8).

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Psychology term of the day

July 26th 2024

nativism

nativism

n.

1. the doctrine that the mind has certain innate structures and that experience plays a limited role in the creation of knowledge. See also innate ideas; nativistic theory. Compare constructivism; empiricism.

2. the doctrine that mental and behavioral traits are largely determined by hereditary, rather than environmental, factors. See nature–nurture.

3. the theory that individuals are born with all perceptual capabilities intact, although some capabilities may depend on the biological maturation of perceptual systems to reach adult levels. —nativist adj., n. —nativistic adj.