staircase method

a variation of the method of limits in which stimuli are presented in ascending and descending order. When the observer’s response changes, the direction of the stimulus sequence is reversed. This method is efficient because it does not present stimuli that are well above or below threshold.

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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.