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retrospective research

observational, nonexperimental research that tries to explain the present in terms of past events; that is, research that starts with the present and follows participants backward in time. For example, an investigator may select a group of individuals who exhibit a particular problematic symptom and then study them to determine if they had been exposed to a risk factor of interest. Also called retrospective study. Compare prospective research.

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Psychology term of the day

November 28th 2024

cocaine withdrawal

cocaine withdrawal

in DSM–IV–TR, a characteristic withdrawal syndrome that develops after cessation of (or reduction in) prolonged, heavy consumption of cocaine. The essential characteristic is depressed mood, sometimes severe, and there may also be fatigue, disturbed sleep, increased appetite, vivid and unpleasant dreams, or psychomotor retardation or agitation, or all of these features. Marked withdrawal symptoms (see crash) often follow an episode of intense, high-dose use. The equivalent term in DSM–5 is stimulant withdrawal. See also substance withdrawal.