Taxometric Analysis: II. Detecting Taxonicity Using Covariance of Two Quantitative Indicators in Successive Intervals of a Third Indicator (Maxcov Procedure)

Given three quantitative indicators of a conjectured latent taxon, a statistical function defined as the covariance of two indicators (designated for the procedure as the “output” indicators) computed within successive intervals along the third (designated as “input”) indicator reveals whether the latent structure of the data is taxonic or not. If it is taxonic, latent parameters (base rate, hit rates, complement and taxon means) can be estimated, the latent distributions drawn, and subjects assigned to the taxon or the complement group. Several consistency tests are described. MAXCOV (MAXimum COVariance) is one of a related family of taxometric procedures in Meehl's Coherent Cut Kinetics Method.