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Volume 2, Issue 2, 170-196, 2011 |
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| Performing Taxometric Analysis to Distinguish Categorical and Dimensional Variables | | | By John Ruscio (a), Ayelet Meron Ruscio (b), Lauren M. Carney (a) | | | (a) The College of New Jersey
(b) University of Pennsylvania | | |
| | | Volume 2, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 170-196 | | | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5127/jep.010910 | | |
| | | Abstract | | | A fundamental question facing clinical scientists is whether the constructs they are studying are categorical or dimensional in nature. The taxometric method was developed expressly to answer this question and is being used by a growing number of investigators to inform theory, research, and practice in psychopathology. The current paper provides a practical introduction to the method, updating earlier tutorials based on the findings of recent methodological studies. We offer revised guidelines for data requirements, indicator selection, parameter estimation, and procedure selection and implementation. We illustrate our recommended approach to taxometric analysis using idealized data sets as well as data sets representative of those found in clinical research. We close with advice to help newcomers get started on their own taxometric analyses. | | |
| | | Table of Contents | | | Introduction
Reasons to Distinguish Categorical and Dimensional Variables
Characteristics of the Taxometric Method
Data Requirements
Sample Size
Size of the Putative Taxon
Number of Indicators
Number of Ordered Categories
Indicator Validity
Within-Group Correlations
Data Management and Reporting Parameter Estimates
Taxometric Procedures
MAMBAC
Illustration.
Implementation.
MAXCOV
MAXEIG.
MAXSLOPE.
Selecting a Procedure.
Illustration.
Implementation.
L-Mode
Illustration.
Implementation.
Consistency Testing
Concluding Remarks on Getting Started
References
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| | | Correspondence to | | | John Ruscio, The College of New Jersey, P. O. Box 7718, Ewing, NJ 08628 | | |
| | Keywords | | | Taxometric analysis, categories, dimensions, model comparison | | |
| | | Dates | | | Received 3 Aug 2010; Revised 1 Nov 2010; Accepted 2 Nov 2010 | | |
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