trichotomous
1
9.9
- adjective
- /traɪˈkɒtəməs/
- Frequency was measured dichotomously, and the only aspect of content assessed was success, which was assessed with a dichotomous or trichotomous measure.
- trichotomous variable
Examples
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For the survey, we used a trichotomous scale to measure responses: satisfied, neutral, or dissatisfied.
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For the current study, trichotomous LBS item responses were coded to reflect maladaptive behavior frequency (i.e., most of the time = 2, sometimes = 1, or does not occur = 0).
Academic text (2004) -
Dichotomous or trichotomous indicators are too crude.
Academic text (1990) -
Living arrangements were analyzed as a trichotomous variable: living with a relative, living on their own or with a roommate, and no permanent living arrangement.
Academic text (2006) -
Employment was analyzed as a trichotomous variable: unemployed (retired, disabled, homemaker, student), occasional work, and regular employment.
Academic text (2006) -
The proportional odds model is the best choice of models when the dependent variable is on a Likert scale, as is the case for the LBS with its trichotomous item ratings coded 2, 1, or 0.
Academic text (2004) -
BMI percentile (underweight/normal, overweight, or obese) was modeled as a trichotomous nominal outcome variable, while physical activity was the predictor variable.
Academic text (2012) -
The research categorized mental health into a trichotomous framework: anxiety, depression, or stress.
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The classification of animals in this study was trichotomous, separating them into mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Synonyms
4
4.5
Having three parts or aspects
1
7.7
Having three parts
1
6.9
Having three parts or people working together
Surface Forms
Morphology
trichotomous = trichotomy (transparent) = trichotomy + ous
The adjective is directly formed from the noun 'trichotomy' plus the productive adjectival suffix '-ous', so the meaning follows straightforwardly.
Etymology
Trichotomous combines tri- 'three' and -tomous from a root that means 'cut into parts'. Like dichotomy ('cut into two'), it means something is divided into three separate parts.