ERIC Number: EJ688637
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Jan
Pages: 29
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0033-295X
EISSN: N/A
A Conceptual and Psychometric Framework for Distinguishing Categories and Dimensions
De Boeck, Paul; Wilson, Mark; Acton, G. Scott
Psychological Review, v112 n1 p129-158 Jan 2005
An important, sometimes controversial feature of all psychological phenomena is whether they are categorical or dimensional. A conceptual and psychometric framework is described for distinguishing whether the latent structure behind manifest categories (e.g., psychiatric diagnoses, attitude groups, or stages of development) is category-like or dimension-like. Being dimension-like requires (a) within-category heterogeneity and (b) between-category quantitative differences. Being category-like requires (a) within-category homogeneity and (b) between-category qualitative differences. The relation between this classification and abrupt versus smooth differences is discussed. Hybrid structures are possible. Being category-like is itself a matter of degree; the authors offer a formalized framework to determine this degree. Empirical applications to personality disorders, attitudes toward capital punishment, and stages of cognitive development illustrate the approach.
Descriptors: Psychometrics, Classification, Psychological Patterns, Measurement Techniques, Personality Problems, Cognitive Development, Differences, Developmental Stages
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Publication Type: Journal Articles
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A