gradient

1. the slope of a line or surface.

2. a measure of the change of a physical quantity (e.g., temperature).

3. in motivational psychology, a graduated change in the strength of a drive resulting from a change in the environment, such as time interval, distance from a situation, and degree of conflict. See also approach gradient; avoidance gradient.

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Psychology term of the day

November 25th 2024

procedural justice

1. in legal proceedings, the use of methods and procedures that are fair and impartial, as distinct from the making of just decisions. The various rules governing how witnesses are questioned and what evidence is admitted into court are examples of the application of procedural justice within the legal system.

2. see organizational justice.