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circumplex

Circumplex is a term used to describe a circular model for representing multidimensional data. In a circumplex, variables, states, or traits are arranged around the circumference of a circle, typically based on two dimensions that are represented as angles around the circle and an optional radial magnitude. The angular position encodes a qualitative dimension, while the radius encodes intensity or magnitude. This structure emphasizes similarity among neighboring points and opposition across points separated by roughly 180 degrees.

In psychology, circumplex models are widely used to map affect and interpersonal behavior. The Circumplex of

Applications extend beyond psychology to data visualization, marketing research, and organizational studies, where the circumplex provides

The term circumplex derives from Latin circum- "around" and plex "braid" or "fold," reflecting its circular arrangement.

Affect,
introduced
by
James
A.
Russell,
uses
two
continuous
dimensions:
valence
(pleasantness
to
unpleasantness)
and
arousal
(activation
to
deactivation).
Emotions
are
placed
on
the
circle
so
that
proximity
reflects
similar
experience,
and
opposite
positions
reflect
contrasting
states.
The
Interpersonal
Circumplex,
associated
with
Wiggins
and
Leary,
represents
interpersonal
behavior
along
two
orthogonal
dimensions:
agency
(dominance–submissive)
and
communion
(warmth–hostility).
The
model
supports
interpretations
of
patterns
of
behavior
and
relationships
based
on
angular
distance.
a
compact
way
to
summarize
cyclical
or
mutually
related
traits.
Its
advantages
include
intuitive
visualization
and
a
clear
notion
of
similarity;
drawbacks
include
the
simplification
of
complex
constructs
to
two
dimensions,
potential
misfit
for
non-circular
structures,
and
sensitivity
to
measurement
and
sampling.