Abstract:

In psychology, almost all approaches to measurement are based on analogies with physical measurements of properties like weight and height. Psychometric models based on this idea represent items as independent measurements of a relatively simple latent structure (e.g., a line or a taxonomy). In this paper, I argue that for many psychological and educational constructs, these analogies do not work, because the underlying psychological theory that would motivate them is highly implausible. Instead, for many cases the analogy of ecosystems is more fitting. In this view, measurements can be viewed as recordings of the states of observable parts of the system. I will argue for a methodological approach that does justice to this perspective using insights from network modeling and formal theory construction. In addition, I will argue that, from the complex systems perspective, commonly used test scores receive a convincing alternative interpretation as index variables that track the functioning of the human system, rather than as measurements of underlying psychological constructs.

Speaker Bio:

Denny Borsboom is Professor of Psychological Methods at the Psychology Department of the University of Amsterdam and director of its Social and Behavioural Data Science Centre. His research focuses on the conceptual analysis of psychometric concepts, the development of new psychometric techniques, and the construction of formalized psychological theory. Borsboom’s research on the use of network models in the context of psychometrics led to alternative representations of psychological constructs as networks of interacting variables. A connected research line develops formal theory construction in psychology as well as methodology to support the development of formal models for psychological phenomena.

Note:

Prof. Borsboom will be visiting NUS until 20 November. If you would like to arrange a meeting with him, please contact A/Prof Epskamp sepskamp@nus.edu.sg.