In Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM), prior settings may affect model fit, parameter estimation, and model comparison. This simulation study was to investigate how the priors impact evaluation of relative fit across competing models. The design factors for data generation included sample sizes, factor structures, data distributions, and…

The Schmid-Leiman (J. Schmid and J. M. Leiman, 1957) decomposition of a hierarchical factor model converts the model to a constrained case of a bifactor model with orthogonal common factors that is equivalent to the hierarchical model. This article discusses the equivalence of the hierarchical and bifactor models. (Author/SLD)

This introduction to confirmatory factor analysis presents an overview of its basic concepts and processes. Conventional factor analysis can be described as set of analytic techniques designed to examine the covariance structure of a set of variables and to provide an explanation of the relationships among those variables in terms of a smaller…

Some problems of multiple-group factor rotation based on the parallel proportional profiles and confactor rotation of R. B. Cattell are described, and several alternative modeling solutions are proposed. Benefits and limitations of the structural-modeling approach to oblique confactor resolution are examined, and opportunities for research are…

Four alternative theoretical models of intellectual competence were assessed, using confirmatory factor analysis to account for the correlation patterns derived from Wechsler intelligence tests. It was argued that the difference between the chi-square goodness of fit statistics that are provided when using confirmatory factor analysis gives a…

In the technique developed by K. G. Joreskog to solve the problem for oblique rotation to a specified simple structure, the basic concept is that the simple structure solution itself is determined only by the zero coefficients of the reference-structure matrix and not by the coefficients of non-zero magnitude. Following this, prior information…

The first purpose of this study was to analyze the results of the confirmatory factor analyses, via EQS, with regard to the latent structures of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) (C. Weinstein, D. Palmer, and A. Schulte, 1987) as proposed by S. Olejnik and S. Nist (1992), A. Olivarez and M. Tallent-Runnels (1994), B. Olaussen and…

Data reduction techniques seek to combine variables that account for patterns of variation in observed dependent variables in such a way that a simpler model is available for analysis. Factor analysis is a data reduction technique that attempts to model or explain a set of variables in terms of their associations. To understand why this technique…

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic techniques are compared, and how to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis is reviewed. A sampling of "fit" statistics and suggestions for methods to improve models for testing are also presented. Exploratory factor analysis is used to explore data to determine the number of the nature of…

It has been shown that the fundamental assumptions associated with conventional one-factor measurement models are frequently violated in analyses of scores from a test composed of testlets. Eight different measurement models were conceptualized for this kind of situation, and the goodness of fit of each model was examined. Measurement models…

Examined a set of working memory scales containing two versions of test items that are reading and mathematics based. Data from 201 undergraduates support the hypothesis that an oblique two-factor model in which the factors are based on item content would fit the data well. (SLD)

The use of the 2 x 2 matrix in qualitative data analysis and theory generation is discussed, embracing the perspective that the objective of qualitative research in general and the analysis of qualitative data in particular is the development of theory. A 2 x 2 matrix is considered to be a tabular representation of the relationship of two…

A unified conceptual model is needed to integrate the extensive research on (1) social competence and adaptive behavior, (2) converging conceptualizations of social adjustment and psychopathology, and (3) emerging concepts and measures of academic competence. To develop such a model, a study was conducted in which teacher ratings were collected on…

This study was designed to explain how Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) could be viewed as a structural equations model (SEM). The study replicated the major profiles extracted from PAMS in the context of the latent variables in SEM. Data involved the Basic Theme Scales of the Strong Campbell Interest Inventory (Campbell and…

Building upon earlier confirmatory factor analytic research that validated a second-order, three-factor structure of the Beck Depression Inventory for Canadian and Swedish nonclinical adolescents, this study tested the factorial structure of the Swedish version of the instrument separately for 559 males and 537 females, and tested its measurement…