linear transformation

the transformation of a set of raw data using an equation that involves addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division with a constant. An example is the transformation of x to y by means of the equation y = a + bx, where a and b are numerical constants. A plot of such transformed data would form a straight line. Data are often subjected to linearizing to determine whether a linear model provides a better fitting or more parsimonious explanation of the variables. Compare nonlinear transformation.

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Psychology term of the day

November 16th 2024

antilibidinal ego

in the object relations theory of British psychoanalyst W. Ronald D. Fairbairn (1889–1964), the portion of the ego structure that is similar to Sigmund Freud’s superego. The antilibidinal ego constitutes a nonpleasure-gratifying, self-deprecatory, or even hostile self-image; it is posited to develop out of the unitary ego present at birth when the infantile libidinal ego (similar to the id) experiences deprivation at the hands of the parent and the infant suppresses his or her frustrated needs. Also called internal saboteur. See Fairbairnian theory.