Hierarchical models

Definition

Hierarchical models refer to theories or frameworks that organize psychological characteristics into multiple levels of factors, with broader and more general factors at the top and narrower and more specific factors at the bottom. These models aim to explain the relationships between different psychological traits and how they contribute to overall intelligence or personality.

Related terms

Broad Factors: These are overarching categories in hierarchical models that capture a wide range of related specific factors.

Specific Factors: In hierarchical models, these are narrower traits or abilities that are grouped under broad factors.

Intermediate Factors: These fall between broad and specific factors in hierarchical models, representing moderately narrow traits or abilities.