illusory correlation

1. the appearance of a relationship that in reality does not exist.

2. an overestimation of the degree of relationship (i.e., correlation) between two variables. For example, if an unusual action occurred at the same time that an adolescent was present in a group of adults, the assumption that the action was carried out by the adolescent would be an illusory correlation.

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Psychology term of the day

April 26th 2024

slow learner

a child of lower-than-average intelligence. Such children are so designated despite the fact that a somewhat lower-than-average IQ does not necessarily imply slow learning. Slow learners are estimated at 15% to 17% of the average school population. They do not show marked variations from physical, social, and emotional norms and are usually placed in regular classes. The term slow learner is often imprecisely applied to children with mild intellectual disability as well as to children of normal capacity whose intellectual progress is slow.