Exploring an Optimal Procedure for Creating Parcels in Structural Equation Modeling

• In Event: Roundtable Session 117
  In Roundtable Session: Issues in Model Specification and Fit in Factor Analysis

Abstract

Parceling is referred to as a procedure for computing sum or average score across multiple items. Based on Bandalos and Finney (2001), around 20% of the published empirical studies used some kind of parceling technique. Simulation studies on parceling indicated that using parceling had positive effect on the results such as increment on the model-data fit. However, as Bandalos (2002) indicated, it is not clear that the increment is due to parceling or items used in parcels. In our study, we evaluate four models to explore change on the fit and the accuracy of parameter estimate. The complete simulation study is undergoing and we expected finishing it by December 2011.
Keywords: Item parceling, item-to-construct balance, random parceling, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)

Authors

• Fatih Orcan, Florida State University

• Yanyun Yang, Florida State University