Despite the widespread popularity of growth curve analysis, few studies have investigated robust growth curve models. In this article, the "t" distribution is applied to model heavy-tailed data and contaminated normal data with outliers for growth curve analysis. The derived robust growth curve models are estimated through Bayesian…

Latent class analysis (LCA) is a statistical method used to identify a set of discrete, mutually exclusive latent classes of individuals based on their responses to a set of observed categorical variables. In multiple-group LCA, both the measurement part and structural part of the model can vary across groups, and measurement invariance across…

Structural equation models are presented as alternative models for examining longitudinal data. The models include (a) a cross-lagged regression model, (b) a factor model based on latent growth curves, and (c) a dynamic model based on latent difference scores. The illustrative data are on motivation and perceived competence of students during…