left brain

the left cerebral hemisphere of the brain. The term is sometimes used to describe functions or cognitive style supposedly mediated by the left (rather than by the right) hemisphere, such as analytical thinking. Compare right brain. See also hemispheric lateralization.

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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.