Evaluating diagnostic criteria: a latent class paradigm.

A latent class analysis paradigm for evaluating and developing diagnostic criteria was presented. How latent class analysis statistically models the conceptual structure of diagnostic systems was demonstrated. These models were then used to study the Taylor and Abrams diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. The findings of this analysis were used in reanalyzing a previous study, yielding improved results. Finally, the nature of internal and external construct validity, and the particular appropriateness for diagnostic research of models with discrete variables was discussed.

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