visual texture

an attribute of a two-dimensional figure or a two-dimensional rendering of a three-dimensional object that describes its surface characteristics. Visual texture is related to, but not the same as, texture in the tactile sense. For example, the words shiny or speckled describe visual texture, whereas smooth or wavy can also describe tactile texture. Gradients of visual texture are often used to infer depth in a two-dimensional scene and also indicate slant.

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Psychology term of the day

March 16th 2025

personality assessment

the evaluation of such factors as intelligence, skills, interests, aptitudes, creative abilities, attitudes, and facets of psychological development by a variety of methods and techniques. These include (a) observational methods that use behavior sampling, interviews, and rating scales; (b) personality inventories, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory; and (c) projective techniques, such as the Rorschach Inkblot Test and Thematic Apperception Test. The uses of personality assessment are numerous, including in the clinical evaluation of children and adults; in educational and vocational counseling; in industry and other organizational settings; and in rehabilitation.