population standard deviation

(symbol: σ) a value indicating the dispersion of scores in a complete population of interest, that is, how narrowly or broadly the scores deviate from the mean. In many research settings, the population standard deviation is estimated from the sample standard deviation, but when information about the full set of units is known, it can be calculated directly. See also population variance.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

aggressive character

a personality characterized by a hostile or competitive attitude to others and the pursuit of power, prestige, and material possessions. Karen D. Horney defined the development of such a character as one of three basic neurotic trends used as a defense against basic anxiety. Compare compliant character; detached character.