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wisdom of crowds

the gain in accuracy achieved when many individuals’ estimates are averaged. The phenomenon was first identified by Francis Galton after he examined the responses of contestants attempting to judge the weight of an ox; the average of all of these independent estimates was more accurate than were the individual estimates of experts.

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Psychology term of the day

February 11th 2025

balance

balance

1. n. a harmonious relationship or equilibrium of opposing forces or contrasting elements. See autonomic balance; balance theory; homeostasis.

2. n. the sense of equilibrium mediated by the vestibular system of the inner ear.

3. vb. to adjust forces to maintain something at a level from which it would ordinarily deviate.