A method for selecting between K-dimensional linear factor models and (K + 1)-class latent profile models is proposed. In particular, it is shown that the conditional covariances of observed variables are constant under factor models but nonlinear functions of the conditioning variable under latent profile models. The performance of a convenient…

Proposes a Bayesian analysis of the multivariate linear model with polytomous variables. Shows how a Gibbs sampler algorithm is implemented to produce the Bayesian estimates. Illustrates the proposed methodology through examples using multivariate linear regression and multivariate two-way analysis of variance with real data. (SLD)

Fitting propensity (FP) is defined as a model's average ability to fit diverse data patterns, all else being equal. The relevance of FP to model selection is examined in the context of structural equation modeling (SEM). In SEM it is well known that the number of free model parameters influences FP, but other facets of FP are routinely excluded…