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Measurement as information about internal versus external criteria: Commentary on Fisher (2026)
1University of Minnesota, Department of Psychology.
Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Current diagnostic definitions may be redundant. Focusing on symptom informativeness is crucial for accurate psychopathology measurement and interpretation, rather than relying on external criteria.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychopathology
- Diagnostic Criteria
Background:
- Current diagnostic systems rely on symptom criteria.
- The utility of external criteria in diagnosis is debated.
- Symptom redundancy within diagnostic definitions is a potential issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the redundancy of symptom criteria in diagnostic definitions.
- To assess the importance of symptom informativeness for measurement.
- To explore the role of external criteria in psychopathology assessment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and external criteria definitions.
- Evaluation of symptom redundancy.
- Assessment of informativeness of symptoms for measurement.
Main Results:
- Fisher's findings indicate significant redundancy in symptom criteria.
- External criteria are extraneous and context-dependent.
- Symptom informativeness is central to accurate measurement and interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic definitions may contain redundant symptom criteria.
- Prioritizing symptom informativeness is essential for robust psychopathology assessment.
- Relying on changeable external criteria may compromise diagnostic validity.
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