Visualization of Latent Factor Structure of Items Using Multidimensional Scaling

• In Event: Advanced Structural Equation Modeling and Hierarchical Modeling at Roundtable

Abstract

In this paper, we demonstrate how factor structure of items may also be easily visualized via latent factor map from MDS analysis, which can be an important component in model building and testing. In conventional factor analysis, graphical representations such as path diagrams are typically used, which have often been generated as a result of the tested models and may be insufficient in the case of exploring patterns of variables. This paper argues that utilizing MDS a priori, when developing a theory, and applying analogous statistical models is a prudent method to conduct research. This paper discusses how MDS can be used as a visualization tool and facilitates the transition from complex data to a testable measurement model.

Author

• Cody Ding, University of Missouri - St. Louis