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multivariate normal distribution

a pattern of values on several variables in which a graph of the data forms a bell-shaped normal distribution. Evidence for a multivariate normal distribution may be obtained using a quantile–quantile plot. If the plot shows a series of points along a diagonal line, indicating a lack of any discrepant scores (i.e., any multivariate outliers), then the data have a multivariate normal distribution. Also called multinormal distribution.

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Psychology term of the day

February 1st 2025

attentional narrowing

attentional narrowing

the restricting of attention in high-stress situations to a small set of information sources, with the potential omission of critical, task-relevant information. For example, when driving to the hospital for a medical emergency, the driver may focus attention only on the road ahead and not notice events at the side of the road, such as a pedestrian entering a crosswalk.