PERSONAL EQUATION Meaning and
Definition
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Personal equation refers to an inherent or systematic error in the timing of an individual's observations, especially in relation to external events or stimuli. It is a term often used in the field of psychology and astronomy. In psychology, personal equation refers to the individual differences in perceptual judgments and response times. For example, two individuals may observe the same object but perceive or react to it differently due to their unique cognitive processes or biases. This concept is particularly relevant in experiments that involve response time measurements or perceptual tasks.
In astronomy, personal equation describes the tendency of an observer to consistently record measurements that are either faster or slower than the actual time of an event. This error can occur due to the individual's reaction time or the mental processing involved in accurately registering the occurrence of an event. It can also stem from differences in an observer's attention, focus, or subjective interpretation. Personal equation is an important consideration in celestial observations, as it helps to account for and correct biases in measurements made by different observers.
In broader terms, personal equation can be understood as the individual deviation from an objective standard or norm, which may arise due to various factors such as perception, attention, reaction time, or personal biases. It is a crucial concept that helps to account for individual differences and potential sources of error in scientific measurements and observational studies.
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• A slight error in judgment or action, peculiar to the individual and so constant that it is usually possible to allow for it in accepting the person's statements or conclusions, thus arriving at approximate exactness.
• The factor of individual differences to be reckoned with in studying the results of experiments, especially in psychology; this is to be considered in both the experimenter and the person experimented upon.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PERSONAL EQUATION
- oersonal equation
- lersonal equation
- -ersonal equation
- 0ersonal equation
- pwrsonal equation
- psrsonal equation
- pdrsonal equation
- prrsonal equation
- p4rsonal equation
- p3rsonal equation
- peesonal equation
- pedsonal equation
- pefsonal equation
- petsonal equation
- pe5sonal equation
- pe4sonal equation
- peraonal equation
- perzonal equation
- perxonal equation
Etymology of PERSONAL EQUATION
The etymology of the phrase "personal equation" can be traced back to astronomy. In the 19th century, while observing the transit of stars across the meridian, astronomers noticed that there was a slight delay or difference in their recorded timing compared to true time. This delay was not due to any flaw in the instruments but rather due to the individual observer's personal perception and reaction time.
The Scottish astronomer Thomas Henderson first used the term "personal equation" around 1834 to describe this discrepancy. The term "equation" is used in this context to refer to the adjustment or correction required to align the observer's recorded time with the true time.
Over time, the concept of the personal equation extended beyond astronomy and began to describe individual differences in any observational or evaluative process.
Similar spelling words for PERSONAL EQUATION
- personal memory,
- Personal Cheque,
- personal income,
- Personal Organiser,
- personal pronoun,
- personal expense,
- personal matters,
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- Personal Judgement,
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- PERSONAL ACTION,
- personal chattel,
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- personal credit line,
- personal business,
- personal property,
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- personal appeal,
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- personal check,
- personal estate.
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