sheep–goat effect

in parapsychology experiments using Zener cards or similar targets, a supposed difference in outcomes found between trials involving participants who believe that they may succeed in the given task (sheep) and trials involving those who assume that this is impossible (goats). See also decline effect; differential effect; focusing effect; position effect; preferential effect. [coined by U.S. parapsychologist Gertrude Schmeidler (1912–2009)]

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

cold pressor pain test

a test of pain produced by immersing a limb in iced water. Also called cold pressor test.