MAP-DyS: An Interactive Framework for Mapping Analytic Decision Pathways in Subtyping Research

Subtyping approaches are widely used in psychological and cognitive research to classify individuals into subgroups based on shared behavioural or cognitive characteristics, particularly when addressing heterogeneity in developmental conditions such as developmental dyslexia. However, subtyping analyses involve numerous methodological decisions, including the choice of theoretical models, data preprocessing strategies, performance indices, and statistical techniques. Variability in these analytic decisions can lead to inconsistent subgroup identification and complicate comparisons across studies, yet such methodological variability is rarely systematically mapped. To support transparent examination of analytic decision pathways in subtyping research, we developed MAP-DyS, an open-source interactive Shiny app that enables researchers to explore and compare methodological choices across subtyping studies. To demonstrate the approach, we compiled a corpus of developmental dyslexia subtyping studies identified through a systematic search of four academic databases and extracted key analytic decision points reported in these studies. The resulting dataset illustrates substantial variability in theoretical models, preprocessing procedures, statistical methods, and reported subgroups. MAP-DyS allows users to interactively visualise these decision pathways and examine how different methodological configurations are represented across the literature. By making analytic variability transparent and navigable, the tool supports researchers in critically evaluating existing subtyping practices and designing more transparent and reproducible subtyping studies. Although demonstrated using developmental dyslexia research, the framework is designed to be adaptable to other areas of psychological and behavioural research that employ subtyping or classification approaches.

medRxiv