ERIC Number: EJ970500
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1070-5511
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Available Date: N/A
Diagnostic Procedures for Detecting Nonlinear Relationships between Latent Variables
Bauer, Daniel J.; Baldasaro, Ruth E.; Gottfredson, Nisha C.
Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v19 n2 p157-177 2012
Structural equation models are commonly used to estimate relationships between latent variables. Almost universally, the fitted models specify that these relationships are linear in form. This assumption is rarely checked empirically, largely for lack of appropriate diagnostic techniques. This article presents and evaluates two procedures that can be used to visualize and detect nonlinear relationships between latent variables. The first procedure involves fitting a linear structural equation model and then inspecting plots of factor score estimates for evidence of nonlinearity. The second procedure is to use a mixture of linear structural equation models to approximate the underlying, potentially nonlinear function. Targeted simulations indicate that the first procedure is more efficient, but that the second procedure is less biased. The mixture modeling approach is recommended, particularly with medium to large samples. (Contains 5 figures, 4 tables, and 2 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Structural Equation Models, Mixed Methods Research, Statistical Analysis, Sampling, Statistical Bias, Evaluation Research, Simulation, Regression (Statistics), Predictor Variables, Factor Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Federal Aid
Psychology Press. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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