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multiplication rule

a rule stating that the joint probability of two independent events occurring together or in succession is equal to the probability of the first event times the probability of the second event. For example, the multiplication rule would indicate that the probability of drawing a heart followed by the probability of drawing a spade is equal to 13/52 × 13/52 = .25 × .25 = .0625. Also called and rule; multiplication law; multiplicative law. Compare addition rule.

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Psychology term of the day

February 21st 2025

reactive coping

reactive coping

a stress-management strategy that involves efforts to deal with a past or present stressful situation (e.g., marital dissolution, losing one’s job) by compensating for or accepting the associated harm or loss. Reactive coping may also involve efforts to readjust goals, find benefit, or search for meaning. One of four types of coping proposed by German psychologists Ralf Schwarzer (1943–  ) and Nina Knoll, reactive coping may be problem-focused, emotion-focused, or social-relation-focused. See also anticipatory coping; preventive coping; proactive coping.