least squares criterion

in regression analysis and similar statistical procedures, the principle that one should estimate the values of parameters in a way that will minimize the squared error of predictions from the model. That is, one should strive to build models that minimize the squared differences between actual scores (observed data) and expected scores (those predicted by the model). Also called least squares principle.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

care of young

a manifestation of parental behavior or alloparenting in animals, usually stimulated by hormonal and other physiological changes when in the presence of offspring. These include the secretion of prolactin, which induces broodiness and parental feeding of young in birds and milk production in mammals.