random walk

a series of values plotted over time that reflects the workings of a chance process, such that each value has an unpredictable relationship to the preceding value and the series has no definable pattern. The concept is used in many research settings, including simulation studies and models of price movements on the stock market. Compare Markov chain. See also stochastic.

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Psychology term of the day

February 28th 2025

coaction task

any performance, competition, work assignment, or other goal-oriented activity that individuals execute in the presence of one or more other individuals who are performing a similar type of task. Examples include an aerobics exercise session and students taking a written test in a classroom. Compare audience task.