In statistics, a categorical variable is a variable that can take on one of a limited, and usually fixed, number of possible values, assigning each individual or other unit of observation to a particular group or nominal category on the basis of some qualitative property.

What is a categorical classification system?

The categorical model assumes each personality disorder is a separate and distinct category; i.e., separate from other personality disorders, and distinct from "normal" personalities. In contrast, the dimensional model views various personality features along several continuous dimensions (or continuums).

What is dimensional classification?

Dimensional analysis

Dimensional classification techniques show individual multidimensional profiles and therefore they can show information about a personality continuum (from normal to atypical), one such technique is Hybrid modeling.