Use of Ad Hoc Fit Indexes With DWLS (Diagonally Weighted Least Squares) Estimation

• In Event: Structural Equation Modeling With Ordinal/Categorical Data

Abstract

In this study I investigate the applicability of commonly used rules of thumb for ad hoc fit indexes to WLSMV estimation using simulation methods. Data based on both CFA and full structural models, with varying degrees of misspecification, nonnormality, numbers of categories, and sample sizes are studied. It is not my purpose in the current study to enter into the debate among those who decry the use of ad hoc fit indexes and those who maintain that such indexes can provide useful adjuncts to the chi-square statistic. Instead, I acknowledge the widespread use of ad hoc indexes and endeavor to provide some guidance regarding reasonable values of such indexes when they are based on WLSMV estimation.

Author

• Deborah L. Bandalos, James Madison University