The topic of this article is the interpretation of structural equation modeling (SEM) solutions. Its purpose is to augment structural modeling's metatheoretic resources while enhancing awareness of how problematic is the causal significance of SEM-parameter solutions. Part I focuses on the nonuniqueness and consequent dubious interpretability of…

In matrix comparison, the performance of four vector matching indices (the coefficient of congruence, the Pearson product moment correlation, the "s"-statistic, and kappa) was evaluated. Advantages and disadvantages of each index are discussed, and the performance of each was assessed within the framework of principal components…

A computational algorithm, called the orthotran solution, is developed for determining oblique factor analytic solutions utilizing orthogonal transformation matrices. Selected results from illustrative studies are provided. (Author/JKS)

Two Statistical Analysis System (SAS) macros are presented that perform the modified principal components approach of L. R. Tucker (1966) to modeling generalized learning curves analysis up to a rotation of the components. Three SAS macros are described that rotate the factor patterns to have characteristics Tucker considered desirable. (SLD)

Results of empirical comparisons of an inferential model of order analysis with factor analytic models were reported for two sets of data. On the prestructured data set both order and factor analytic models returned its dimensions of length, width and height, but on the random data set the factor analytic models indicated the presence of…

The logic and procedures underlying a disturbance term regression test of logical consistency for structural models are reviewed for recursive and nonrecursive designs. It is shown that in a simple three-variable, complete mediational case the test procedure is mathematically equivalent to a part correlation. (Author/LMO)

Two applications of Kristof's theorem on traces of matrix products are presented in order to highlight their utility for psychometric theory and studies. (Author/JKS)

Principal component analysis, image component analysis, and maximum likelihood factor analysis were compared to assess the effects of variable sampling. Results with respect to degree of saturation and average number of variables per factor were clear and dramatic. Differential effects on boundary cases and nonconvergence problems were also found.…

The strategy for investigating convergent and discriminant test validity, known as the multitrait-multimethod matrix, is investigated. A nonparametric significance testing procedure is suggested and demonstrated. (JKS)

An algorithm for obtaining initial values for the minimization process in covariance structure analysis is developed that is more generally applicable for computing parameters connected to latent variables than the currently existing ones. The algorithm is formulated in terms of the RAM model but can be extended. (SLD)

A general statistical model for the multivariate analysis of mean and covariance structures is described. Matrix calculus is used to develop the statistical aspects of one new special case in detail. This special case separates the confounding of principal components and factor analysis. (DEP)

Computer generated data representative of 16 Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Averages (ARIMA) models were used to compare the results of interrupted time-series analysis using: (1) the known model identification, (2) an assumed (l,0,0) model, and (3) an assumed (3,0,0) model as an approximation to the General Transformation approach. (Author/BW)

The present study compares the performance of phi coefficients and tetrachorics along two dimensions of factor recovery in binary data. These dimensions are (1) accuracy of nontrivial factor identifications; and (2) factor structure recovery given a priori knowledge of the correct number of factors to rotate. (Author/LMO)

Two versions of a decision rule for determining the most appropriate number of clusters on the basis of a correlation matrix are presented, applied, and compared with three other decision rules. The new rule is efficient for determining the number of clusters on the surface level for multilevel data. (SLD)