The Data Generation Mechanism: Relationship Between Constructs and Their Indicators

Abstract The choice of statistical data analysis should be guided by a critical analysis that supports the theoretical relationship between the construct and its indicators. This theoretical article reviews the three main existing psychometric paradigms and their proposals for explaining the relationship between indicators and their constructs. The discussion begins with the standard paradigm that guides the construction and analysis of data in psychology, reflective model. Then, a description of the formative models is performed and finally the Network Analysis as an alternative. The definitions, consequences, and limitations of the use of each measurement model are presented such as a reflection on making decisions about which data generation mechanisms are more appropriate.