Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


vertical décalage

in Piagetian theory, the invariable sequence in which the different stages of development (sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational) are attained. Compare horizontal décalage.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

paradigm clash

paradigm clash

in science or philosophy, the conflict that occurs when a new set of fundamental assumptions about reality or human knowledge proves incompatible with an established set of such assumptions. For example, the doctrine of organic evolution challenged established thinking about the origin and nature of the living world and ultimately replaced previous theories.