Ambiguity - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Claire Neeson

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Ambiguity in psychology refers to situations or stimuli that can be interpreted in multiple ways due to lack of clear or distinct information. It plays an important role in understanding perception and decision-making processes. For example, when presented with an ambiguous image or problem, individuals may draw on their personal experiences, expectations, and cultural background to interpret it in different ways. In GCSE Psychology, studying ambiguity helps students understand how the mind processes unclear information and how this can affect behaviour and thought processes. Recognising ambiguity can help explain differing perceptions among people in various contexts.

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Claire Neeson

Reviewer: Claire Neeson

Expertise: Psychology Content Creator

Claire has been teaching for 34 years, in the UK and overseas. She has taught GCSE, A-level and IB Psychology which has been a lot of fun and extremely exhausting! Claire is now a freelance Psychology teacher and content creator, producing textbooks, revision notes and (hopefully) exciting and interactive teaching materials for use in the classroom and for exam prep. Her passion (apart from Psychology of course) is roller skating and when she is not working (or watching 'Coronation Street') she can be found busting some impressive moves on her local roller rink.

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