Occam’s razor

the maxim that, given a choice between two hypotheses, the one involving the fewer assumptions should be preferred. In other words, one should apply the law of parsimony and choose simpler explanations over more complicated ones. See also elegant solution. [William of Occam or Ockham (c. 1285–1347), English Franciscan monk and Scholastic philosopher]

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Psychology term of the day

February 21st 2025

Hoover’s sign

a diagnostic test for neurological (as distinct from psychological) hemiplegia in which the individual in a reclining position attempts to raise the paralyzed leg: An individual with true hemiplegia reflexively presses down the heel of the healthy leg during the test. The absence of the downward movement is a positive Hoover’s sign and suggests psychogenic paresis or malingering. [Charles Franklin Hoover (1865–1927), U.S. physician]