Glossary of Psychological Terms
Definitions of terms used in psychology, psychometric testing and occupational assessment, organised alphabetically.
Whole method
A technique for learning material in which the entire body of content is studied as a single unit on each practice repetition, rather than being broken into sections. Compare with part method.
Word association test
A technique for probing areas of psychological difficulty a person may have repressed. The respondent is asked to give an immediate response to each word in a pre-selected list, with both their answers and their reaction time to each word carefully noted and analysed.
Work psychology
The branch of psychology concerned with the world of work, encompassing personnel selection, training, job satisfaction, the physical and social work environment, organisational structure, workplace relationships, and ergonomics.
Wundt, Wilhelm (1832-1920)
A German physician and philosopher widely regarded as the founder of experimental psychology as a distinct scientific discipline. In 1879, Wundt established the first formal laboratory dedicated to psychological research, at the University of Leipzig, where he and his students used introspection and controlled experimental methods to study sensation, perception and reaction time. His influence extended across a generation of early psychologists trained in his laboratory, many of whom went on to found psychology programs across Europe and the United States.
