Definition: In mathematics, an algorithm is a defined set of step-by-step procedures that provides the correct answer to a particular problem. By following the instructions correctly, you are guaranteed to arrive at the right answer.

When problem-solving, deciding which method to use depends on the need for either accuracy or speed. If complete accuracy is required, it is best to use an algorithm. On the other hand, if time is an issue, then it may be best to use a heuristic.

Learn more about algorithms.

More About Problem-Solving

• What Is Problem-Solving?
• Problem-Solving Strategies

More Psychology Definitions: The Psychology Dictionary

How do people become leaders? Leadership is a topic of interest in social psychology and there are a number of theories that attempt to explain different aspects of leadership. Do certain qualities make people great leaders, or do situational factors play a role? Are leaders born, or is leadership a skill that can be learned?

There are a number of different theories to explain how people become leaders.
Photo courtesy Sanja Gjenero

Early leadership theories focused on what qualities distinguished between leaders and followers, while subsequent theories looked at other variables such as situational factors and skill level. Despite the wide variety of leadership theories, most can be categorized under one of eight broad outlooks. Learn more about these major theories of leadership.

• Leadership Styles
• Quiz- What's Your Leadership Style?

Do you need to design an experiment for a psychology assignment? Coming up with a good topic and experiment idea is often the most daunting part of the process, but here are a few tips to get you started.

_{Photo by Rich Legg/iStockPhoto}

• Think about things that interest you. Are there any topics in particular that grab your interest? Spend some time considering your options, and then make a list of questions that you have about the topic. Any of these questions could potentially serve as a potential experiment idea.


• Consult your textbook for ideas. Browse through some of the experiments discussed in your book and then think of how you might devise an experiment related to some of the questions asked in your textbook.


• Brainstorm with classmates. Get a group together to come up with a list of interesting ideas, subjects or questions. Use the information you gathered during your brainstorming session to serve as a basis for your experiment topic.

Finally, be sure to check out some of our psychology experiment ideas. Most of these can be performed easily at home or at school, but always discuss your experiment with your instructor before you begin.

More About Psychology Experiments and Research

• Introduction to Psychology Research Methods
• How to Conduct a Psychology Experiment

Earning a doctorate degree in psychology is a great way to improve your opportunities for career growth. While you might immediately assume that the Ph.D. degree is your only option, the Psy.D. degree is a doctoral-level degree that you should definitely consider. Learn more about the Psy.D. including how it differs from the Ph.D: FAQ About the PsyD

Related Reading:

• Ph.D. in Psychology FAQ
• How Long Does It Take to Earn a Ph.D. in Psychology?
• Alternatives to the Ph.D. in Psychology

The theory of psychosocial development created by Erik Erikson is perhaps one of the best known personality theories. The theory differs from many others in that it addresses development across the entire lifespan, from birth through death.

_{Photo by Photo by Lev Dolgatshjov - iStockPhoto}

At each stage, the individual deals with a conflict that serves as a turning point in development. When the conflict is resolved successfully, the person is able to develop the psychosocial quality associated with that particular stage of development.

Learn more about each of the points of development, including the conflict confronted and major events that occur in this overview of the psychosocial stages.

More About the Psychosocial Stages

• The Theory of Psychosocial Development
• Biography of Erik Erikson
• Quiz on Psychosocial Stages

Definition: Short-term memory, also known as primary or active memory, includes the information we are currently aware of or thinking about. Most of the information kept in short-term memory will be stored for approximately 20 to 30 seconds, but it can be even less if rehearsal or active maintenance of the information is prevented. The capacity of short-term memory can vary, but recent research suggests that people are capable of storing approximately four chunks or pieces of information in short-term memory.

Learn more about short-term memory.

More About Memory

• An Overview of Memory
• Why We Forget

More Psychology Definitions: The Psychology Dictionary

John Bowlby was a British psychologist perhaps best known for developing attachment theory. His research on attachment and child development left a lasting impression on psychology, education, child care and parenting. Researchers extended his research to develop clinical treatment techniques and prevention strategies. His work also influenced other eminent psychologists, including his colleague Mary Ainsworth who also made major contributions to attachment theory. Learn more about his early life, career, theories and influence on psychology in this biography of John Bowlby.

Sports psychology is the study of how psychology influences sports, athletic performance, exercise and physical activity. Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology) of the American Psychological Association describes sports psychology as "an interdisciplinary specialization that cuts across psychology and the sport sciences."

Some sports psychologists work with professional athletes and coaches to improve performance and increase motivation. Other professionals utilize exercise and sports to enhance people's lives and well-being throughout the entire lifespan.

If you've ever considered a career in this specialty area, you should check out this profile of careers in sports psychology.

Related:

• What Is Sports Psychology?
• 10 Cool Psychology Careers
• Psychology Career Profiles

One Reader Writes: "I always get so confused about how to tell which is the mean, median or mode! Can you explain what each of these terms mean and how to calculate each one? Thanks!"

Understanding mean, median and mode can be tricky at first, especially if you have little experience with statistical concepts. Each measure is one way to express the central tendency of a set of numbers or scores. In order to understand the differences between the mean, median and mode, let's start by quickly defining the terms.

• The mean is the arithmetic average of a set of given numbers.


• The median is the middle score in a set of given numbers.


• The mode is the most frequently occurring score in a set of given numbers.

Learn more about how to identify and calculate the mean, median or mode.

Choosing a college major can be a very difficult task, especially if you are torn between competing degree options. In order to select the major that is right for you, it is important to start by assessing your interests and goals. Psychology is one of the most popular degrees at colleges and universities throughout the world, but is it the right choice for you?

Image by Mary Gober

Before you decide:

• Assess your interests. Psychology might be a good choice if you enjoy learning about the human mind and behavior, have an interest in psychology research or love working with people.


• Explore different options. Be sure to spend some time researching different psychology careers in order to get a good idea of the the different opportunities that are out there.


• Visit your academic advisor or campus career center. Students sometimes overlook the many resources that are available through their own college or university. An academic advisor can help you asses your strengths and interests in order to determine which college major might be best.

In addition to offering a tremendous opportunity for personal growth, majoring in psychology opens up a huge range of career opportunities. If you are still wondering if psychology is the right choice for you, then be sure to check out some of these ten great reasons to earn a psychology degree.

More tips:

• Before You Major In Psychology
• 10 Psychology Courses You Should Take
• Things to Consider Before You Sign Up for a Psychology Class