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Perky effect

the tendency for an imagined stimulus to interfere with seeing an actual target stimulus when the imagined form is close to that of the target. In one study, for example, a participant was positioned in front of a blank screen and asked to imagine a leaf, while simultaneously, without the participant’s knowledge, a blurry picture of a leaf was projected onto the screen, gradually becoming brighter; the intensity of the picture was well above the threshold for detection before the participant reported seeing it. [described in 1910 by Cheves West Perky (1874–1940), U.S. psychologist]

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Psychology term of the day

January 3rd 2025

politeness

politeness

n. the process by which a speaker attempts to avoid harm to a listener’s public image or private self-concept through the use of nonthreatening or face-saving forms of speech. Politeness involves steering clear of content or forms of language that might embarrass listeners, make them feel uncomfortable, or lessen their self-respect. It also involves actively using language that maintains or enhances the listener’s dignity, prestige, and autonomy. For example, a speaker might preface the request for a favor by saying, “I’m sorry to bother you, and feel free to say no, but I wonder if you would. . . .” Politeness is one aspect of facework.