Realism, ontology, and latent variables

Trisha Nowland

doi:10.25949/19435301

Realism, ontology, and latent variables

Research output: Thesis › Master (Research) Thesis

Abstract

Drawing on scientific realism, recent psychometric literature presents a claim for ontology for latent variable analysis. The purpose of such presentation is to underlabour a purported causal relationship between psychological attributes and manifest outcomes, which is said to drive the use of these analyses in psychological research. This thesis examines the principles of this claim in three steps. The results form a critical inquiry that indicates minimal support for the claim for a realist ontology for the use of latent variable modelling in psychological research.

Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Macquarie University
Supervisors/Advisors	Boag, Simon, Supervisor
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.25949/19435301
Publication status	Unpublished - 2014

Keywords

philosophy
causation
latent variable model
psychometrics
latent variables
psychology

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10.25949/19435301

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title = "Realism, ontology, and latent variables",

abstract = "Drawing on scientific realism, recent psychometric literature presents a claim for ontology for latent variable analysis. The purpose of such presentation is to underlabour a purported causal relationship between psychological attributes and manifest outcomes, which is said to drive the use of these analyses in psychological research. This thesis examines the principles of this claim in three steps. The results form a critical inquiry that indicates minimal support for the claim for a realist ontology for the use of latent variable modelling in psychological research.",

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AU - Nowland, Trisha

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Y1 - 2014

N2 - Drawing on scientific realism, recent psychometric literature presents a claim for ontology for latent variable analysis. The purpose of such presentation is to underlabour a purported causal relationship between psychological attributes and manifest outcomes, which is said to drive the use of these analyses in psychological research. This thesis examines the principles of this claim in three steps. The results form a critical inquiry that indicates minimal support for the claim for a realist ontology for the use of latent variable modelling in psychological research.

AB - Drawing on scientific realism, recent psychometric literature presents a claim for ontology for latent variable analysis. The purpose of such presentation is to underlabour a purported causal relationship between psychological attributes and manifest outcomes, which is said to drive the use of these analyses in psychological research. This thesis examines the principles of this claim in three steps. The results form a critical inquiry that indicates minimal support for the claim for a realist ontology for the use of latent variable modelling in psychological research.

KW - philosophy

KW - causation

KW - latent variable model

KW - psychometrics

KW - latent variables

KW - psychology

U2 - 10.25949/19435301

DO - 10.25949/19435301

M3 - Master (Research) Thesis

ER -

Realism, ontology, and latent variables

Abstract

Keywords

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