latent trait theory

a general psychometric theory contending that observed traits, such as intelligence, are reflections of more basic unobservable traits (i.e., latent traits). Several quantitative models (e.g., item response theory, factor analysis) have been developed to allow for the identification and estimation of these latent traits from manifest observations.

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Psychology term of the day

November 25th 2024

thrombotic stroke

the most common type of stroke, occurring when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a cerebral thrombosis. A thrombotic stroke typically results from the narrowing and eventual occlusion of a large blood vessel in the brain, especially the carotid or middle cerebral artery, by atherosclerosis.