Glossary D

Deutsch: Zerfallstheorie / Español: Teoría de la decadencia / Português: Teoria da decadência / Français: Théorie de la décomposition / Italiano: Teoria del decadimento /

Decay theory refers to a theory that asserts that information is forgotten because of the gradual disappearance, rather than displacement, of the memory trace. Decay theory is an explanation for loss of information in short-term memory based on the notion that the physiological effects of stimulation fade. Decay theory is similar to Fading in connection with forgetting in long-term memory. (see Fading.)

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Deceleration describes an event in which the brain is in motion traveling at a certain speed and then stops abruptly.

Decency refers to conformity to recognized standards of propriety, good taste, and modesty as defined by a particular group. Standards of decency differ among groups or cultures. What might be decent to one group or culture might not be decent to other groups or cultures. Example: in some countries in Africa it is decent to be bare breasted even in oublic, but in other countries it is indecent to be bare breasted when in public.

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Decentering is when a person learns to recognize that he or she is not the center of the universe, and that there is not as much emphasis on humans as we think there is.

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Decentralization is a term used in industrial and organizational psychology that refers to a process which occurs when lower-level employees have the right to make important decisions instead of management making all the decisions.

Deutsch: Dezentrierung / Español: Descentración / Português: Descentração / Français: Décentration / Italiano: Decentrazione

The concept of Decentration is fundamental in developmental psychology, particularly within Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development. It describes the ability to shift focus from one aspect of a situation to multiple aspects simultaneously, marking a critical transition in cognitive maturation. This article explores its theoretical foundations, developmental significance, and broader applications in psychological research.

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Deception refers to concealment of the purpose and procedures of a study from the participants.

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Decibel is defined as a unit that indicates the presence of a tone relative to a reference pressure: dB 20 log (p/po) where p is the pressure of the tone and po is the reference pressure.

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