light–dark cycle

the schedule according to which the lights are turned on and off in rooms housing research animals. A 12-hour light–dark cycle, in which the lights are on for 12 consecutive hours and then off for 12 consecutive hours, is commonly used.

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 24th 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.