perseveration–consolidation hypothesis

the hypothesis that information passes through two stages in memory formation. During the first stage, the memory is held by perseveration (repetition) of neural activity and is easily disrupted. During the second stage, the memory becomes fixed, or consolidated, and is no longer easily disrupted. The perseveration–consolidation hypothesis guides much contemporary research on the biological basis of long-term learning and memory. Also called consolidation hypothesis; consolidation–perseveration hypothesis. See also dual trace hypothesis. [originally proposed in 1900 by German psychologists Georg Elias Müller and Alfons Pilzecker (1865–1949)]

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

constant error

a systematic error in some particular direction. Constant error is computed as the average positive or negative difference between the observed and actual values along a dimension of interest. For example, if a weight of 1 kg is judged on average to be 1.5 kg, and a weight of 2 kg is judged to be 2.5 kg, the constant error is 500 g. See also absolute error; random error.