ontogenetic fallacy

the false assumption that anything that looks like a common pattern of change with age is a basic, normative process of aging. An example is the assumption that because disability is often seen in the elderly it is a natural, universally experienced outcome of the aging process. [proposed by 21st-century U.S. sociologist Dale Dannefer]

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Psychology term of the day

February 17th 2025

transdermal patch

an adhesive application that is designed to release a drug at a steady rate via absorption through the skin into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches are used, for example, to administer nicotine in progressively smaller doses to people who are trying to give up smoking.