The Many Functions of Quantitative Modeling

Abstract

Lee et al. (2019) recently proposed a number of quantitative modeling techniques and practices culminating with a recommendation for the creation of registered model reports. In addition to increasing transparency, trust, and robustness of modeling practices, registered model reports seem likely to increase the visibility and dissemination of quantitative models to researchers from other scientific disciplines (including other behavioral and non-behavioral sciences). In addition to the recommendations proposed by Lee et al. (2019), interdisciplinary communication and collaboration will be improved if researchers include the function of the quantitative model within registered model reports. Here, the function of a quantitative model refers to the contexts (e.g., questions, data types) and goals (e.g., description, prediction, exploration) surrounding the scientist’s use of a model. Explicitly specifying the function of a model will allow for more accurate and fair tests of quantitative models and appropriate tests of model generalizability to novel research questions.