Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


open economy

an experimental design used in operant-conditioning experiments in which an organism’s intake of food or water includes not only that provided during experimental sessions but also that provided in supplemental amounts independent of behavior in the home cage. This ensures that a particular level of body weight, or some other measure of deprivation, is maintained. Compare closed economy.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 11th 2025

clerical aptitude

clerical aptitude

1. the ability to learn specific skills required for office work, such as perceptual speed (e.g., comparing names or numbers), speed in typing, error location, and vocabulary.

2. the measure of individual abilities in the following areas: vocabulary (understanding words and ideas), arithmetic (handling figures easily and accurately), and checking (recognizing similarities and differences rapidly).