flanker task

a task in which stimuli are assigned one of two responses and the participant is required to respond to the target stimulus when this is flanked by other stimuli. The stimuli are presented at a known location (usually at fixation), and the flanking stimuli are associated with a response that is either the same as or different from that assigned to the target. Reaction time is slower if the stimuli flanking the target are assigned the alternative response than if they are assigned the same response as the target. This is known as the flanker compatibility effect. Also called Eriksen flankers task. [devised by U.S. psychologist Charles W. Eriksen (1923– )]

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

morphophilia

n. interest in sexual partners whose body characteristics (e.g., height, weight, skin and hair color) are different from one’s own.