language localization

the processing of various functions of spoken and written words in particular areas of the brain. Since 1861, when Paul Broca postulated that speech processing was localized near the third frontal convolution of the left hemisphere, research has identified numerous other cortical centers associated with visual and auditory language processing, as well as neural pathways linking these areas. See Broca’s area; Wernicke’s area.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

simple structure

in exploratory factor analysis, a set of criteria for determining the adequacy of a factor rotation solution. These criteria require that each factor show a pattern of high factor loadings on certain variables and near-zero loadings on others and that each variable load on only one factor. This minimizes the complexity of the factor solution, allows each variable to be most strongly identified with a specific factor, and increases interpretability.