femininity phase

in the object relations theory of Melanie Klein, a period during the early phases of the Oedipus complex in which both boys and girls are posited to adopt a feminine attitude toward the father and to desire a child by him. Klein saw this turning to the father as an object of desire and away from the mother as the child’s first object.

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Psychology term of the day

January 28th 2025

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.