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position effect

1. the difference a gene’s position on a chromosome makes to that gene’s expression.

2. in parapsychology experiments using Zener cards or similar targets, an effect in which the position of the target in a temporal series or a spatial array appears to influence the accuracy of the participant’s “calls” or guesses. See also decline effect; differential effect; focusing effect; preferential effect; sheep–goat effect.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

aggressive character

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.