NECESSITY/SUFFICIENCY AS A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR PREDICTOR-CRITERION RELATIONSHIPS.
Abstract
The concepts of necessity and sufficiency are presented as the basis for understanding various predictor-criterion relationships. Three types of strong relationships are introduced as models for the discovery, utilization, and evaluation of predictors: (1) 'necessary-and-sufficient,' the conventional symmetrical relationship where the frequencies in two cells of the four-fold table approach zero as the association increases, (2) 'necessary-but-not-sufficient,' the asymmetrical relationship where the frequency in only the false-positive cell approaches zero, and (3) 'sufficient-but-not-necessary,' the asymmetrical relationship where the frequency in only the false-negative cell approaches zero. It is shown that the necessary-and-sufficient model is a poor basis for the discovery, utilization, and validation of necessary-but-not-sufficient and sufficient-but-not-necessary predictors. Due to over-emphasis of the necessary-and-sufficient model, it is likely that many potentially useful predictors have been discarded as useless. An improved methodology is suggested. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0659288
Entities
People
- Ervin W. Curtis
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center