Sigmetack7/27/2026 · https://research.mutlak.se/en/research/situations-and-the-search-for-conditional-information
research article · 2024
Situations and the Search for Conditional Information
Joke H. van Velzen
In the latest RRREaT-PT editorial, and also in some other RRREaT-PT editorials and articles, the study of situation as a variable in terms of the influence of situation on objects, phenomena, and processes as it is actually happening in the world, is of interest for scientific research because it can provide for conditional information. Conditional information can inform about situational differences that matter for understanding persons, phenomena, and processes, such as the identifying of inter-individual groups based on person-specific intra-individual data. However, the precise meaning and data analysis for detecting conditional information in situations via empirical research is a complex research subject because so many variables, more than those that are being observed intentionally, can have an influence on the results. In the research literature, the concept of conditional information is mostly substantiated via theorizing rather than via empirical studies and mainly in probability theory, system analysis or network-model theory, and social-dynamics theory. In this article, I will discuss this research literature on conditional information in search of a clear definition for the purpose of data analysis in social and behavioral research that involves the variable of situation. The emphasis will lie on initial all-including data-analytical techniques to which end the four-quadrant relationship display is being proposed, with the aim to regard its usefulness for detecting conditional information in situations as it meaningful to and influences groups of persons.
RRREaT - Data-Analytical Techniques · Vol. 1 · No. 01
Overview
This article examines conditional information as a way to understand how situations influence persons, phenomena, and processes. It reviews theoretical work from probability, systems and network analysis, and social dynamics in search of a useful definition for social and behavioral research. The four-quadrant relationship display is proposed as an initial all-including technique for exploring person-specific data and detecting conditions that may distinguish groups.
Topics covered
Conditional information as information that explains when or why a situational relationship may occur.
The complexity created by observed, latent, and emerging variables in situation-based research.
Four-quadrant relationship displays as an exploratory technique for connecting person-specific intra-individual data with inter-individual groups.
Original publication
The complete publication is available through the original PDF download on this page. This web body is a concise overview prepared from that source.