Discusses techniques to account for unmeasured third variables in longitudinal designs, introducing a series of less restrictive synchronous common factor models as an extension of the synchronous common factor model. Recommends the use of such models, which can be tested by structural equation modeling, when possible third variables might have…

Simulation results show that the power to detect small mean differences when fitting a model with free residual variances across groups decreases as the difference in R squared increases. This decrease is more pronounced in the presence of correlated errors and if group sample sizes differ. (SLD)

Explores the four-step procedure for testing structural equation models and outlines some problems with the approach advocated by L. Hayduk and D. Glaser (2000) and S. Mulaik and R. Milsap (2000). Questions the idea that there is a "correct" number of constructs for a given phenomenon. (SLD)

Focuses on the four-step method (four nested models) of structural equation modeling advocated by S. Mulaik (1997, 1998), discussing the limitations of the approach and considering the tests and criteria to be used in moving among the four steps. (SLD)

Defends the four-step approach to structural equation modeling based on testing sequences of models and points out misunderstandings of opponents of the approach. The four-step approach allows the separation of respective constraints within a structural equation model. (SLD)

Neither the four-step model nor the one-step procedure can actually tell whether the researcher has the right number of factors in structural equation modeling. In fact, for reasons discussed, a simple formulaic approach to the correct specification of models does not yet exist. (SLD)

Replies to commentaries on the four-step approach to structural equation modeling, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each argument and ultimately concluding that the four-step model is subject to criticisms that can be addressed to factor analysis as well. (SLD)

Information fit indexes such as Akaike Information Criterion, Consistent Akaike Information Criterion, Bayesian Information Criterion, and the expected cross validation index can be valuable in assessing the relative fit of structural equation models that differ regarding restrictiveness. In cases in which models without mean restrictions (i.e.,…

Examines some positions in various arguments related to the proper number of factors and proper number of steps when using structural equation models. Defines the issue in estimating structural equation models as a problem of specifying a model appropriately based on theoretical concerns and then diagnosing ills in the model as well as possible.…

Discusses issues related to model evaluation in structural equation modeling. Supports nested model comparisons via sequential chi-square difference tests as consistent with the four-step approach to model evaluation when models of the factor analytic simultaneous equation type are entertained. (Author/SLD)

Demonstrates empirically a structural equation modeling technique for group comparison of reliability and validity. Data, which are from a study of 495 mothers' attitudes toward pregnancy, have a one-factor measurement model and three sets of subpopulation comparisons. (SLD)

Chest pain was identified as a specific medical problem space, and disease classes were modeled to define it. Results from a test taken by 628 medical residents indicate a second-order factor structure that suggests that chest pain is a multidimensional problem space. Implications for medical education are discussed. (SLD)

Studied the meaning of Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI; Conroy and others, 2002) by evaluating the comparability of PFAI factor structure over repeated assessments and the stability of the subscales over relatively brief intervals. Results for 356 college students generally show high stability for PFAI scores in long and short forms.…

Used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the score integrity of LibQUALl+, an instrument to measure perceptions of library service quality. Results for 60,027 graduate and undergraduate students suggest that the model implied by LibQUAL is reasonable and invariant across independent samples and fits all three major subgroups of library users.…