Attribute Model (in Psychological Evaluation): What It Is And How It Is Used
Psychological evaluation is the task aimed at the scientific study of a person, or a group of them. It is a discipline within the field of psychology, which aims to verify whether the general principles of psychology occur in a particular individual.
Within it, we find different models, depending on the variables studied, their theoretical formulation, basic methods used, objectives, areas of application, etc. In this article we will analyze one of them: the attribute model We will know its 6 fundamental characteristics and its differences with the rest of the models.
The models that have served as a basis for the psychological evaluation of the individual are these:
What does the attribute model consist of and what are its main characteristics? Let’s see it.
Attribute model (in psychological evaluation)
The attribute model, also called the psychometric model, is based on a correlational approach, and understands behavior as resulting from a series of intrapsychic attributes (variables specific to the organism).
In this model, the relationship between internal attributes and external manifestations (which, in this case, are the answers to tests) becomes relevant.
These relationships are also based on the aforementioned correlational approach. On the other hand, The objective of the attribute model is to predict behavior beyond the areas studied or tested
Characteristics
Now, let’s get to know the 6 basic characteristics of the attribute model (as well as its differences from the other models):
1. Theoretical formulation
According to the attribute model, Behavior occurs depending on personal or organismic variables, that is, according to intrapsychic or genotypic variables
Following this model, these variables will be evaluated directly through their behavioral manifestations.
Differences with other models
For its part, the dynamic model suggests that behavior is explained based on internal theoretical constructions; The medical model maintains that what determines behavior are a series of biological conditions, and the behavioral model suggests that these are explained by environmental factors.
For its part, the cognitive model preaches that behavior is explained through a set of internal mental processes and structures, and the constructivist model aims to evaluate the constructions that the person uses to describe the world.
2. Variables under study
The types of variables studied in each model will also differ; In this case, under the attribute model we find that we are looking for analyze the intrapsychic variables of the individual obtained through empirical, factorial or rational procedures
The objective is to study the person’s personality in a molecular and objective way; What does it mean to study personality in a molecular way? That behavior can be decomposed into smaller behavioral units, the sum of which configures it (in the molar form, on the other hand, the unit has unity in itself, and it is not necessary to decompose it into smaller parts).
Differences with other models
The dynamic model studies the personality of the subject at the molar level; the doctor intends to classify the subject; Behavioral studies behavior at a molecular and mechanistic level; The cognitive model analyzes the influence of internal mental structures and the constructivist model postulates a set of internal variables as explanatory of the subject’s reality.
3. Basic methods and techniques
What method does the attribute model use? The hypothetico-deductive method in its correlational version ; Let us remember that this methodology involves observing the phenomenon to be studied, establishing starting hypotheses of the observed phenomena, deducing consequences from the hypothesis and finally verifying or proving the truth of the proposed statements.
This last step is carried out by comparing theory with practice (experience, empirical facts). Thus, the hypothetico-deductive method of the attribute model combines rational reflection with the observation of empirical reality.
Said model, furthermore, It is fundamentally based on the use of tests to analyze human behavior and/or personality It also uses other types of techniques, all of them focused on collecting information to contrast the initial hypothesis.
Differences with other models
For its part, the dynamic model is based on the clinical method and qualitative observations, and fundamentally uses projective techniques. In the case of the medical model, it is based, like the attribute model, on the hypothetico-deductive method in its correlational version.
The behavioral model uses self-report, observation, and psychophysiological recordings; The cognitive model is based primarily on the use of self-report, and the constructivist model basically uses qualitative techniques.
4. Objectives
Another characteristic to take into account when we classify the different models in psychological evaluation are their central objectives. In this case, The fundamental objective of the attribute model is to predict behavior in areas that differ from those tested
Differences with other models
Once again, if we compare the attribute model with other models in psychological evaluation, we find the following: the dynamic model seeks to explain behavior, and not so much predict it; The medical model, for its part, has the objective of reaching a diagnosis based on a specific etiology; The behavioral model aims to do even more things, such as describing, predicting, explaining, and controlling behavior.
For its part, the cognitive model has the objective of describing and explaining behavior based on mental entities, and the constructivist model, of also describing and explaining behavior, but where appropriate, based on the constructions that the individual makes. reality.
Regarding the scopes of application, the attribute model It is used above all in school guidance tasks and in the field of organizations which does not mean that it cannot be used occasionally in other areas.
Differences with other models
The predominant scope of application of the dynamic model is the clinical setting; that of the doctor, also the clinician; The behavioral model is applied in all types of areas; The cognitive model is mainly applied in educational settings and in the laboratory, and finally the constructivist model is used above all in the clinical setting.
6. Levels of inference
On the other hand, Each type of model in psychological evaluation analyzes behavior at one level of inference or another
Before explaining at what level of inference the analysis of behavior is located in the attribute model, we are going to know the four levels of inference that exist (as the inference level advances, the evaluation is deeper):
In the attribute model, the evaluation occurs at level III of inference; this means that Cause and effect hypotheses and conclusions can be established (that is, through this model the causality of a phenomenon can be studied).
Differences with other models
The dynamic model is located at level IV of inference; the medical model, at level III of inference, the same as the attribute model. The behavioral model is located at levels I and II, the cognitive model at levels III and IV and finally the constructivist model at level IV.
