Modeling Mean Structures and Latent Growth Structures Using Structural Equation Modeling

Session Submission Type: Professional Development Course

Abstract

This mini-course builds on participants’ introductory knowledge of structural equation modeling (SEM) to address models involving mean structures and those targeting growth within longitudinal designs. Mean structure models allow researchers to assess, among other things, population differences in amounts of latent factors, while latent growth models gauge functional form and individual differences in subjects’ longitudinal trajectories and the determinants thereof. This mini-course will briefly review SEM, and then provide a thorough practical treatment of the two related topics, along with examples of software input/output for analyzing these models. Participants will receive electronic copies of handouts; they may bring paper or electronic copies for use during the mini-course. Laptops will not otherwise be necessary.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development and Training Committee

Director

• Gregory R. Hancock, University of Maryland