Latent Trait and Latent Class Models

Latent trait and latent class models are widely accepted within social and behavioral sciences because of the theoretical nature of research concepts. Latent variables, or variables not directly observed (e.g., verbal ability), are typically concepts researchers want to understand, but are regarded as being indicated by observed, or manifest variables, such as vocabulary or paragraph comprehension. Latent trait and latent class tTIodels elegantly link the observed variables to the variable of interest, the latent variable.