Classification Model

Abstract

The Discrete GOM Model at a conceptual level is a model with enormous theoretical appeal as a psychometric model. While it was initially developed as a solution to problems posed in medical classification, social scientists should be quick to realize its many potential applications. This is especially true for sociologists who have been captivated by the intuitive appeal of typological theories, but have been limited by inadequate methodological tools. The GOM models have a number of interesting statistical properties and have proved to be an effective theoretical and data analysis tool in a number of disciplines. The true value of the GOM model will be known by the capacity to make theoretical and practical sense out of data.

This paper provides an introduction to GOM Analysis in terms of a heuristic analogy and a concrete sociological example of a two pure type model of parental values. The primary emphasis is on providing a conceptual perspective, rather than a detailed mathematical and statistical specifications.