maladaptation

n. a condition in which biological traits or behavior patterns are detrimental, counterproductive, or otherwise interfere with optimal functioning in various domains, such as successful interaction with the environment and effectual coping with the challenges and stresses of daily life. Compare adaptation. —maladaptive adj.

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Psychology term of the day

December 21st 2024

class interval

a range of scores or numerical values that constitute one segment or class of a variable of interest. For example, individual weights can be placed into class intervals such as 100 lb–120 lb, 121 lb–140 lb, 141 lb–160 lb, and so forth. Class intervals often are used in frequency distributions and histograms to present a large data set in a simpler manner that is more easily interpreted.