paracontrast

n. a form of forward masking in which the perception of a visible stimulus (the target) is altered by the prior presentation of another visual stimulus (the mask) in a different spatial location. The target is often a small dot, whereas the mask is a ring that surrounds it. Each stimulus is presented very briefly (10–100 ms), at intervals that are varied systematically, and the quality of the target’s percept is measured. Compare metacontrast.

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Psychology term of the day

February 16th 2025

reasonable accommodations

adjustments made within an employment or educational setting that allow an individual with a physical, cognitive, or psychiatric disability to perform essential functions. These adjustments might include installing ramps in an office cafeteria for wheelchair accessibility, altering the format of a test for a person with learning disabilities, or providing a sign language interpreter for a person with hearing loss. Provisions for reasonable accommodations must be made by employers and educators according to the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act and the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. See undue hardship.