law of parsimony

the principle that the simplest explanation of an event or observation is the preferred explanation. Simplicity is understood in various ways, including the requirement that an explanation should (a) make the smallest number of unsupported assumptions, (b) postulate the existence of the fewest entities, and (c) invoke the fewest unobservable constructs. Also called economy principle; principle of economy; principle of parsimony. See elegant solution; Occam’s razor.

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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.