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fast mapping

the ability of young children to learn new words quickly on the basis of only one or two exposures to these words. See also Quinian bootstrapping. [coined in 1978 by U.S. developmental psychologist Susan E. Carey (1942–  ) and Elsa Bartlett]

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Psychology term of the day

January 28th 2025

summative evaluation

summative evaluation

1. the appraisal of a student’s achievement at the conclusion of an educational program. Also called terminal assessment.

2. in evaluation research, an attempt to assess the overall effectiveness of a program in meeting its objectives and goals after it is in operation. This is in contrast to formative evaluation, which is used to help in the development of the program. Also called ex post facto evaluation. See also outcome evaluation.