This study is a partial replication of L. Hu and P. M. Bentler's (1999) fit criteria work. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine whether cut-off values vary according to which model is the true population model for a dataset and (b) to identify which of 13 fit indexes behave optimally by retaining all of the correct models while…

Purpose: There has been little research that includes reliable deductions about the positive influence of learning capability on business performance. For this reason, the main objective of the present study is to empirically explore the link between learning capability in organizations and business performance evaluated in both financial and…

A structural equation modeling based method is outlined that accomplishes interval estimation of individual optimal scores resulting from multiple-component measuring instruments evaluating single underlying latent dimensions. The procedure capitalizes on the linear combination of a prespecified set of measures that is associated with maximal…

Recognizing recent criticisms concerning the cross-cultural generalizability of self-determination theory (SDT), the authors tested the SDT view that high school students in collectivistically oriented South Korea benefit from classroom experiences of autonomy support and psychological need satisfaction. In Study 1, experiences of autonomy,…

Although preventive interventions that include both parent and child components produce stronger effects on disruptive behavior than child-only interventions, engaging parents in behavioral parent training is a significant challenge. This study examined the effects of specific risk factors for child disruptive behavior on parent attendance in…

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is a frequently used multivariate analysis technique in statistics. Jennrich and Sampson (1966) solved a significant EFA factor loading matrix rotation problem by deriving the direct Quartimin rotation. Jennrich was also the first to develop standard errors for rotated solutions, although these have still not made…

This study examines prostitution, homelessness, delinquency and crime, and school problems as potential mediators of the relationship between childhood abuse and neglect (CAN) and illicit drug use in middle adulthood. Children with documented cases of physical and sexual abuse and neglect (ages 0-11) during 1967-1971 were matched with…

This paper reviews the theoretical background, optimal levels, strengths, weaknesses, and additional considerations of the most frequently used structural equation modeling (SEM) fit statistics in an effort to enable researchers to make better, more informative judgments regarding their models. Fit indices evaluate model fit for the data being…

A simulation study compared three methods of estimating parameters within structural equation models (SEM) with polytomous variables. These methods appear in three SEM computer software packages: (1) LISREL (Joreskog and Sorbom, 1996) with PRELIS (Joreskog and Sorbom); (2) EQS (Bentler, 1995); and (3) the new Mplus (Muthen and Muthen, 1998). The…

A Monte Carlo study is reported that shows the comparative performance of alternative approaches under deviations from their respective assumptions in the case of structural equation models with latent variables with attention restricted to point estimates of model parameters. The conditional polychoric correlations method is shown most robust…

The relationship between structural equation modeling (SEM) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is illustrated. The representation of CCA in SEM may provide interpretive information not available from conventional CCA. Hierarchically, the relationship suggests that SEM is a more general analytic approach. (SLD)

Shows how to extend the inferential test of B. Shipley (2000), which is applicable to recursive path models without correlated errors, to a class of recursive path models that includes correlated errors. Discusses when the extended model is and is not superior to classical structural equation modeling. (SLD)

Tested empirically the applicability of a method developed by S. Mattson for generating data on latent variables with controlled skewness and kurtosis of the observed variables. Monte Carlo simulation results suggest that Mattson's method appears to be a good approach to generate data with defined levels of skewness and kurtosis. (SLD)

Discusses the difference in noncentrality parameters of nested structural equation models and their utility in evaluating statistical power associated with the pertinent restriction test. Asymptotic confidence intervals for that difference are presented. These intervals represent a useful adjunct to goodness-of-fit indexes in assessing constraints…

Provides a discussion of an alternative two-stage least squares (2SLS) technique to include interactions of latent variables in structural equation models. The method requires selection of instrumental variables, and rules for selection are presented. An empirical example and Statistical Analysis System programs are presented. (SLD)