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idiosyncrasy-credit model

an explanation of the leniency that groups sometimes display when high-status members violate group norms. This model assumes that such individuals, by contributing to the group in significant ways and expressing loyalty to it, build up idiosyncrasy credits, which they “spend” whenever they make errors or deviate from the group’s norms. So long as their actions do not completely deplete their supply of credits, their infractions will not undermine their status in the group. [developed by U.S. psychologist Edwin P. Hollander (1927–  )]

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

chemotherapy

chemotherapy

n. the use of chemical agents to treat diseases, particularly cancer, in which case it is contrasted with radiation therapy. —chemotherapeutic adj. —chemotherapist n.