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feedback

n. information about a process or interaction provided to the governing system or agent and used to make adjustments that eliminate problems or otherwise optimize functioning. It may be stabilizing negative feedback or amplifying positive feedback. The term’s origins in engineering and cybernetics lend it a distinct connotation of input–output models that is not as strictly applicable to the wide variety of usages found in psychology, such as biofeedback, information feedback, and social feedback. Compare feedforward.

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Psychology term of the day

November 23rd 2024

incontinence

incontinence

n.

1. an inability to control basic body functions, such as urination and defecation (see fecal incontinence; urinary incontinence). Incontinence is often caused by bodily and neurological injury or damage or physical abnormalities and changes.

2. an inability to restrain sexual impulses. —incontinent adj.