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Nuanced in theory, tricky in practice: falsifiability, timing, and curvilinearity of Tier 1 and 2 effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 November 2025

Krystina Adriana Boyd-Frenkel*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA Kboydfre@uci.edu m.choi@uci.edu olisng@uci.edu
Minyoung Choi
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA Kboydfre@uci.edu m.choi@uci.edu olisng@uci.edu
Oliver Sng
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA Kboydfre@uci.edu m.choi@uci.edu olisng@uci.edu
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

The two-tiered model offers a meaningful advance in life history theory, but refinements are needed to enhance testability. We highlight challenges related to the timing of Tier 1 and 2 effects and potential curvilinearity in Tier 2 responses. Clarifying these dimensions would improve falsifiability and strengthen the model’s utility for guiding empirical research.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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