Research in education and behavioral sciences often involves the use of latent variable models that are related to indicators, as well as related to covariates or outcomes. Such models are subject to interpretational confounding, which occurs when fitting the model with covariates or outcomes alters the results for the measurement model. This has…

Small sample sizes pose a severe threat to convergence and accuracy of between-group level parameter estimates in multilevel structural equation modeling (SEM). However, in certain situations, such as pilot studies or when populations are inherently small, increasing samples sizes is not feasible. As a remedy, we propose a two-stage regularized…

Many education tests and psychological surveys elicit respondent views of similar constructs across scenarios (e.g., story followed by multiple choice questions) by repeating common statements across scales (one-statement-multiple-scale, OSMS). However, a respondent's earlier responses to the common statement can affect later responses to it…

There is increasing interest in using factor scores in structural equation models and there have been numerous methodological papers on the topic. Nevertheless, sum scores, which are computed from adding up item responses, continue to be ubiquitous in practice. It is therefore important to compare simulation results involving factor scores to…

This study aims to estimate the latent interaction effect in the CLPM model through a two-step multiple imputation analysis. The estimation of within x within and between x within latent interaction under the CLPM model framework is compared between the one-step Bayesian LMS method and the two-step multiple imputation analysis through a simulation…

University student academic competitions can test students' learning outcomes, improve their academic performance and stimulate their interest in learning. Exploring the behavioural mechanisms influencing students' academic competition is quite important, but there is currently little research on this topic. This study aims to fill this gap in the…

This study addresses the gap in understanding graduate students' sustained engagement behavior (SEB) with generative artificial intelligence (GAI) by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT), and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) into a comprehensive embedding model. It introduces the Technology…

We propose new ways of robustifying goodness-of-fit tests for structural equation modeling under non-normality. These test statistics have limit distributions characterized by eigenvalues whose estimates are highly unstable and biased in known directions. To take this into account, we design model-based trend predictions to approximate the…

Mediation analysis is an important statistical tool in many research fields, where the joint significance test is widely utilized for examining mediation effects. Nevertheless, the limitation of this mediation testing method stems from its conservative Type I error, which reduces its statistical power and imposes certain constraints on its…

The multiple imputation two-stage (MI2S) approach holds promise for evaluating the model fit of structural equation models for ordinal variables with multiply imputed data. However, previous studies only examined the performance of MI2S-based residual-based test statistics. This study extends previous research by examining the performance of two…

Academic engagement plays a crucial role in students' learning and performance. One of the most popular measures for assessing this construct is the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students (UWES-S), which is based on a tridimensional conceptualization consisting of dedication, vigor, and absorption. However, prior research on its factor…

When comparing relations and means of latent variables, it is important to establish measurement invariance (MI). Most methods to assess MI are based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Recently, new methods have been developed based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA); most notably, as extensions of multi-group EFA, researchers introduced…

The integration of AI-chatbots into higher education offers the potential to enhance learning practices. This research aims to explore the factors influencing AI-chatbots adoption within higher education, with a focus on the moderating roles of technological proficiency and academic discipline. Utilizing a survey-based approach and advanced…

Based on the instructional interaction principles outlined by Chen and Wang (2016) in third-generation distance learning, this study employs a recursive logical perspective on the evolution of the theory of interaction in distance education. It constructs a structural equation model to measure the mediating utility path of the learner's proactive…

The objective of this study is to ascertain the relative influences and predictive relationships between metacognitive listening strategies, critical listening attitudes and academic listening skills of Turkish teacher candidates. In consideration of the ease of accessibility and economic factors, the participants were selected through the…