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goodness of fit

the degree to which values predicted by a model agree with empirically observed values. For example, a researcher may wish to assess whether a pattern of frequencies from a study is the same as theoretically expected, whether two categorical variables are independent, or whether a regression equation correctly predicts obtained data. A small, nonsignificant value from a statistical goodness-of-fit test indicates a well-fitting model.

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Psychology term of the day

July 26th 2024

nativism

nativism

n.

1. the doctrine that the mind has certain innate structures and that experience plays a limited role in the creation of knowledge. See also innate ideas; nativistic theory. Compare constructivism; empiricism.

2. the doctrine that mental and behavioral traits are largely determined by hereditary, rather than environmental, factors. See nature–nurture.

3. the theory that individuals are born with all perceptual capabilities intact, although some capabilities may depend on the biological maturation of perceptual systems to reach adult levels. —nativist adj., n. —nativistic adj.