referent

n. in linguistics, the thing (or process or situation) in the external physical world to which a word or phrase refers. In the structuralist account of language (see structuralism), verbal signs (words) are held to consist of a signifier (physical form) and signified (concept indicated by the signifier), with no need for any external referent.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

biasing factor

a variable that serves to bias the valence of elaboration of attitude-relevant information. See also biased elaboration; multiple roles in persuasion.