EH351-7-SU-CO:
Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling
2023/24
Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
Colchester Campus
Summer
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 22 April 2024
Friday 28 June 2024
30
03 February 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
The course shows how theoretical assumptions concerning measurement models and substantive models can be translated into a structural equation model, and how the model can be estimated and tested with the Mplus 8 computer program. In addition, we provide syntax for all examples in R (lavaan). We will show how to use R procedures that produce lavaan code from Mplus input (mplus2lavaan) and Mplus input, Mplus compatible data and output via R (MplusAutomation). In the first part, we deal with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which relates multiple indicators to one (CFA) or several latent variables (Simultaneous Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Bifactor Models and second order confirmatory factor analysis) and multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis. Different specifications of measurement models are tested via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as a special case of a structural equation model (SEM) and we will discuss scale building procedures, measurement invariance testing and adequate reliability and validity estimates.
Special emphasis is given to the (cross cultural) analysis of multiple groups (MGCFA) for comparisons between groups and over time points (repeated cross-sections), including the assessment of measurement invariance (i.e., comparability of intercepts of observed variables and factor loadings) to compare regression coefficients and latent means. We also deal with the new procedures of measurement invariance testing (e.g., alignment optimization) to check approximate measurement invariance.
The second part comprises both the structural model and the measurement model. Topics include recursive vs. non-recursive models for the structural part of the model, moderation (interaction effects) and mediation analyses, treatment missing and categorical data and the use of formative vs. reflective indicators in MIMIC Models. Again, special emphasis will be directed toward the use of the multiple-group option for cross-group comparisons of both the measurement and the structural model. A major focus will be the process of model modification and alternative model testing using adequate fit measures and how to report CFA and SEM results.
We will draw all examples are from data of the European Social Survey (ESS) and use the concept of human values as operationalized by the Portrait Value Questionnaire developed by Schwartz for single country or cross-cultural analyses. Nonetheless, participants from all fields are welcome to participate.
No information available.
The objectives of this course are
1.to enable participants to use (multiple group) confirmatory factor analysis and (multiple group) structural equation modelling to develop and/or test both measurement models and scales and, furthermore, causal theories with latent variables.
2. to familiarize participants with the Mplus 8 program to handle the most important standard models. Nonetheless, to facilitate the transfer of the course content to other programs, all example syntaxes will also be supplied for R lavaan..
3. to increase participants’ competencies in the applications of the techniques and models with their own data, participants are highly encouraged to bring their own data as cleaned raw data files (see for input specifications of the data, e.g., Byrne 2012) and to use them for developing their models and projects for a dissertation or publications during the course. We will offer consultation hours from the beginning both by the instructor and the teaching assistant to answer individual questions and specially to support participants to perform analyses with their own data. Moreover, we will offer an open colloquium format to present and critically discuss the own research findings.
Course Prerequisites
Participants are expected to have extensive familiarity with Windows applications, good knowledge of exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis is required. The course is most optimal for those who want to apply CFA and SEM within the next twelve months.
Remedial Reading
T. Brown (2015) Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Applied Research, Paperback, Second edition, Guilford Press – this text will be provided by ESS
R.B. Kline (2016) Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling, Paperback, Fourth edition, Guilford Press – this text will be provided by ESS
B. Byrne (2012) Structural Equation Modeling with MPLUS, Routledge
J. Wang and X. Wang (2019) Structural Equation Modeling: Applications Using Mplus. J.Wiley.
K. Gama and G. Broc (2019) Structural Equation Modelling with lavaan. New York, J. Wiley
Module information will be made available at https://essexsummerschool.com/.
Please contact essexsummerschoolssda@essex.ac.uk and govpgquery@essex.ac.uk with any queries.
No information available.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
No
No
No
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can
be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements,
industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist
of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules.
The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.