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golem

n. in medieval Jewish folklore, a being created from inanimate material, specifically clay, and used as a servant by its creator. In spite of such disadvantages as an inability to speak or think and act on their own, golems were often associated with holiness, wisdom, and magical powers. More recently, the term has come to signify a brainless, clumsy oaf or an automaton.

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Psychology term of the day

March 16th 2025

personality assessment

personality assessment

the evaluation of such factors as intelligence, skills, interests, aptitudes, creative abilities, attitudes, and facets of psychological development by a variety of methods and techniques. These include (a) observational methods that use behavior sampling, interviews, and rating scales; (b) personality inventories, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory; and (c) projective techniques, such as the Rorschach Inkblot Test and Thematic Apperception Test. The uses of personality assessment are numerous, including in the clinical evaluation of children and adults; in educational and vocational counseling; in industry and other organizational settings; and in rehabilitation.