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operative knowledge

knowledge acquired in the process of performing operations, thought to be more basic and more predictive of later intellectual functioning than figurative knowledge (e.g., factual knowledge). [postulated by Jean Piaget]

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Psychology term of the day

January 31st 2025

automatic speech

automatic speech

1. speech that erupts involuntarily, or without conscious control. It sometimes occurs as a consequence of dementia, Tourette’s syndrome, or highly emotional states. Automatic speech is not to be confused with synthesized or synthetic speech.

2. speech that is uttered with little or no conscious consideration of the spoken material, such as the days of the week, numbers, the alphabet, and other well-learned material.