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Latent variables and the network perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2010

Catherine Belzung ,
Etienne Billette de Villemeur ,
Mael Lemoine  and
Vincent Camus
Catherine Belzung
Affiliation:
Université François Rabelais de Tours, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France. catherine.belzung@univ-tours.flemoine@univ-tours.frhttp://lemoine.ovh.orgvincent.camus@univ-tours.fr INSERM 930, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), ERL 3106, F-37200 Tours, France.
Etienne Billette de Villemeur
Affiliation:
Toulouse School of Economics (IDEI & GREMAQ), F-31000 Tours, France. etienne.devillemeur@TSE-fr.eu
Mael Lemoine
Affiliation:
Université François Rabelais de Tours, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France. catherine.belzung@univ-tours.flemoine@univ-tours.frhttp://lemoine.ovh.orgvincent.camus@univ-tours.fr
Vincent Camus
Affiliation:
Université François Rabelais de Tours, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, F-37200 Tours, France. catherine.belzung@univ-tours.flemoine@univ-tours.frhttp://lemoine.ovh.orgvincent.camus@univ-tours.fr INSERM 930, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), ERL 3106, F-37200 Tours, France. Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire, CHRU de Tours, F-37200 Tours, France.
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Abstract

We discuss the latent variables construct, particularly in regard to the following: that latent variables are considered as the sole explanatory factor of a disorder; that pragmatic concerns are ignored; and that the relationship of these variables to biological markers is not addressed. Further, we comment on the relationship between bridge symptoms and causality, and discuss the proposal in relationship to other constructs (endophenotypes, connectionist-inspired networks).

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 33 , Issue 2-3 , June 2010 , pp. 150 - 151
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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