Measuring the Unmeasurable
The Psychometrics of Life History Strategy
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 5293440 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Stefan L K Gruijter (0000-0003-0141-0071, Maastricht University, corresponding author), Bram P I Fleuren (0000-0002-9748-2522, Maastricht University) |
| Year | 2018 |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 33-44 |
| Publication date | 2018-03-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Human Nature (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1045-6767 • E-ISSN: 1936-4776 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12110-017-9307-x |
| PMID | 29143184 |
| OpenAlex | W2769676924 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 18 |
| References cited | 48 |
Within evolutionary biology, life-history theory is used to explain cross-species differences in allocation strategies regarding reproduction, maturation, and survival. Behavioral scientists have recently begun to conceptualize such strategies as a within-species individual characteristic that is predictive of behavior. Although life history theory provides an important framework for behavioral scientists, the psychometric approach to life-history strategy measurement-as operationalized by K-factors-involves conceptual entanglements. We argue that current psychometric approaches attempting to identify K-factors are based on an unwarranted conflation of functional descriptions and proximate mechanisms-a conceptual mix-up that may generate unviable hypotheses and invites misinterpretation of empirical findings. The assumptions underlying generic psychometric methodology do not allow measurement of functionally defined variables; rather these methods are confined to Mayr's proximate causal realm. We therefore conclude that K-factor scales lack validity, and that life history strategy cannot be identified with psychometrics as usual. To align theory with methodology, suggestions for alternative methods and new avenues are proposed
Behavioural sciences · Biology · Cognitive psychology · Conflation · Developmental psychology · Epistemology · Life history · Life history theory · Operationalization · Psychometrics · Realm · Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Plant and animal studies · Psychology · Social Psychology · Ecology
Advancing economic sustainability in smallholder agriculture
Network analysis of psychometric life history indicators
The challenge of measuring trade-offs in human life history research
Do human ‘life history strategies’ exist
Life history strategies and vocational interests
Testing a life history model of psychopathology
Hanging on to the Edges
Exposure to Sexually Explicit Internet Material in Adolescence and Unwanted Sexual Behavior in Emerging Adulthood
Measuring the Unmeasurable
Making inferential leaps
Life History, Attachment and Romantic Relationship Outcomes in an Eastern European Adult Sample
Towards an ecological model of the dark triad traits
Advancing the Psychometric Study of Human Life History Indicators
Are Higher-Order Constructs in Evolutionary Psychology Attributable to Omitted Cross-Loading Bias? An Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Approach
On the Incongruence between Psychometric and Psychosocial-Biodemographic Measures of Life History
Life History in a Postconflict Society
The Structure of the Mini-K and K-SF-42
Do Criminals Live Faster Than Soldiers and Firefighters
Multidimensional Constructs in Organizational Behavior Research
The Concept of Validity.
Three Cs in measurement models
Advancing formative measurement models
The Fallacy of Formative Measurement
Sex, attachment, and the development of reproductive strategies
In defense of causal-formative indicators
Differential K theory
Latent Variables in Psychology and the Social Sciences
On the nature and direction of relationships between constructs and measures.
The K-factor
On aims and methods of Ethology
Childhood Experience, Interpersonal Development, and Reproductive Strategy
Formative Versus Reflective Indicators in Organizational Measure Development
Cause and Effect in Biology
Trade-Offs in Life-History Evolution
The theoretical status of latent variables.
Cognition in harsh and unpredictable environments
Estimating psychological networks and their accuracy
Network Analysis
Evolutionary Theory and the Ultimate–Proximate Distinction in the Human Behavioral Sciences
Consilience and Life History Theory
A Critical Review of Construct Indicators and Measurement Model Misspecification in Marketing and Consumer Research
Models of proximate and ultimate causation in psychology
The heritability of life history strategy
The K-factor, Covitality, and personality
Timing of Pubertal Maturation in Girls
| Citations per year | 2.25 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2018 - 2026 (9) |
| Highly cited | No |