Final answer:
The HSRC and Kaplan models differ in their focus areas, with the former revolving around cultural factors, while the latter concentrates on psychological aspects of human behavior. An understanding of lurking variables is critical in interpreting observed behavior patterns and test scores accurately.
Step-by-step explanation:
The HSRC model and Kaplan model differ principally because of their focus areas in understanding human behavior. The Kaplan model centers on psychological factors, examining internal aspects such as mental health and emotional processes. Conversely, the HSRC model is oriented towards understanding the impact of cultural and societal factors on behavior. This distinction mirrors the general difference between psychology and sociology. Psychologists delve into the mind's role in behavior, while sociologists examine how societal structures and cultural norms influence an individual's actions and interactions.
Lurking variables, such as education level in specific subjects or societal encouragement towards certain careers, can offer explanations for observed behavior patterns like differences in SAT scores between genders, beyond simplistic genetic interpretations. These alternative explanations must be considered in any study seeking to conclusively identify the causes of such observed differences.