In the SEM literature, simplex and latent growth models have always been considered competing approaches for the analysis of longitudinal data, even if they are strongly connected and both of specific importance. General dynamic models, which simultaneously estimate autoregressive structures and latent curves, have been recently proposed in the…

Factor analysis is a statistical method for describing the associations among sets of observed variables in terms of a small number of underlying continuous latent variables. Various authors have proposed multilevel extensions of the factor model for the analysis of data sets with a hierarchical structure. These Multilevel Factor Models (MFMs)…

This study used multilevel modeling of daily diary data to model within-person (state) and between-person (trait) components of coping variables. This application included the introduction of multilevel factor analysis (MFA) and a comparison of the predictive ability of these trait/state factors. Daily diary data were collected on a large (n =…

Demonstrated how individual differences in semantic differential data can be modeled and assessed using three-mode models by studying the characterization of Chopin's "Preludes" by 38 Japanese college students. (SLD)

The latent structure of the Self-Monitoring Scale of M. Snyder (1974) is evaluated by comparing several measurement models suggested by previous factor analysis of the scale using sample data from 1,113 college students. Implications of results are discussed in relation to self-monitoring and the use of factor analysis. (SLD)

The representation of multivariate data by icons is discussed. The factorial sun is suggested as superior to the commonly used snowflake or sun icons and as better representing the values of the different variables and their correlational structure. Two experiments with 60 college students demonstrate the factorial sun's superiority. (SLD)

The Sixteen Personality Factor Inventory (16PF) was examined concerning recent methodological and substantive developments: restricted (confirmatory) factor analysis, and the five-factor model of personality as operationalized in the NEO-Personality Inventory. Two studies with 645 college students show that the 16PF remains robust in light of…

Two approaches are used to assess the one-month stability of depression affect in college students: (1) a high retest correlation is demonstrated for a latent depressive affect construct using self-reports from the previous month; and (2) predictive validity of depressive categorization is examined using logistic regression techniques. (Author/LMO)

The role that language plays in mediating the influence of verbal descriptions of persons on trait ratings of those persons was studied for 280 college students. Results suggest that the influence of verbally communicated descriptions of persons on trait ratings is mediated by the expected latent factors. (SLD)

Factor structure of the Reactions to Tests (RTT) scale measuring test anxiety was studied by testing a series of confirmatory factor models including a second-order structure with 636 college students. Results support a shorter 20-item RTT but also raise questions about the cross-validation of covariance models. (SLD)

Two sets of real sorting data from 50 college students are used to compare results of multidimensional scaling of raw co-occurrence frequencies or dissimilarity measures (D) and profile distances (delta) to determine which yields a better representation of the underlying structure of 2 sets of stimuli. Slight differences are discussed. (SLD)

An interest questionnaire with 72 university course descriptions based on a facet design was used to determine whether computer anxiety or computer disinterest was related to interest in or willingness to take selected courses of 200 Belgian and German students. Analysis of variance supports conclusions from the multidimensional scalings. (SLD)

Extensions of the confirmatory factor analysis approach to multitrait-multimethod data are demonstrated, and self-other agreement on multiple dimensions of self-concept are evaluated in 2 studies investigating the ability of significant others to infer multiple dimensions of self-concept for 151 Australian and 941 Canadian college students. (SLD)

Validity evidence for a new instrument, the Situation-Response Measure of Achievement Motivation for analyzing cross-situational consistency of achievement-related behavior, is presented in a study of 246 college students. Exploratory factor analysis indicates the presence of two factors, striving and apprehensiveness. (SLD)