APA Dictionary of Psychology

gradient

Updated on 04/19/2018
n.
  1. the slope of a line or surface.
  2. a measure of the change of a physical quantity (e.g., temperature).
  3. in motivational psychology, a graduated change in the strength of a drive resulting from a change in the environment, such as time interval, distance from a situation, and degree of conflict. See also approach gradient; avoidance gradient.

Browse Dictionary

ADVERTISEMENT

Word of the Day

ADVERTISEMENT

Also of Interest

Psychology in the News