Measurement Targets for Network Constructs in Psychopathology

In psychology, regulation of measurement practices relies on the use of psychometric models that relate the targeted psychological construct to a set of observations in empirical research. Recent work has argued for a new conceptualization, in which psychological constructs are viewed as networks. However, in contrast to existing models, network psychometrics has not articulated normative guidelines for measurement. To develop normative criteria for measurement in the network framework, a clearer picture is needed about possible measurement targets in a network. Using the example of depression, we explore five such potential measurement targets in the network framework: the structure of the network, the current state of the network, and three properties of the dynamical landscape, the expected state, vulnerability, and stable state. We discuss strategies for measuring these targets as well as challenges that arise in doing so.