This book demonstrates how to conduct latent variable modeling (LVM) in R by highlighting the features of each model, their specialized uses, examples, sample code and output, and an interpretation of the results. Each chapter features a detailed example including the analysis of the data using R, the relevant theory, the assumptions underlying the model, and other statistical details to help readers better understand the models and interpret the results. Every R command necessary for conducting the analyses is described along with the resulting output which provides readers with a template to follow when they apply the methods to their own data. The basic information pertinent to each model, the newest developments in these areas, and the relevant R code to use them are reviewed. Each chapter also features an introduction, summary, and suggested readings. A glossary of the text’s boldfaced key terms and key R commands serve as helpful resources. The book is accompanied by a website with exercises, an answer key, and the in-text example data sets.
Latent Variable Modeling with R:
-Provides some examples that use messy data providing a more realistic situation readers will encounter with their own data.
-Reviews a wide range of LVMs including factor analysis, structural equation modeling, item response theory, and mixture models and advanced topics such as fitting nonlinear structural equation models, nonparametric item response theory models, and mixture regression models.
-Demonstrates how data simulation can help researchers better understand statistical methods and assist in selecting the necessary sample size prior to collecting data.
-www.routledge.com/9780415832458 provides exercises that apply the models along with annotated R output answer keys and the data that corresponds to the in-text examples so readers can replicate the results and check their work.
The book opens with basic instructions in how to use R to read data, download functions, and conduct basic analyses. From there, each chapter is dedicated to a different latent variable model including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM), multiple groups CFA/SEM, least squares estimation, growth curve models, mixture models, item response theory (both dichotomous and polytomous items), differential item functioning (DIF), and correspondance analysis. The book concludes with a discussion of how data simulation can be used to better understand the workings of a statistical method and assist researchers in deciding on the necessary sample size prior to collecting data. A mixture of independently developed R code along with available libraries for simulating latent models in R are provided so readers can use these simulations to analyze data using the methods introduced in the previous chapters.
Intended for use in graduate or advanced undergraduate courses in latent variable modeling, factor analysis, structural equation modeling, item response theory, measurement, or multivariate statistics taught in psychology, education, human development, and social and health sciences, researchers in these fields also appreciate this book’s practical approach. The book provides sufficient conceptual background information to serve as a standalone text. Familiarity with basic statistical concepts is assumed but basic knowledge of R is not.
1. Introduction to basic data handling in R 2. Exploratory Factor analysis 3. Confirmatory Factor analysis 4. Foundations of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) 5. SEM for multiple groups, the MIMIC model, and latent means comparisons 6. Further Topics in SEM 7. Growth Curve Modeling 8. Mixture models 9. Item Response Theory for dichotomous and polytomous items 10. Further topics in Item Response Theory 11. Data simulation for latent variable modeling in R Appendix A. Key R Commands
Biography
Brian F. French is a Professor of Measurement, Statistics, and Research Methods at Washington State University.
W. Holmes Finch is the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology and Professor of Statistics and Psychometrics at Ball State University.
"Finch and French provide a timely, accessible, and integrated resource on using R to fit a broad range of latent variable models. It will be a valuable reference for researchers as well as students taking SEM, IRT, Factor Analysis, or Mixture Modeling courses. Coverage of simulation methods and advanced topics in IRT and SEM are particular assets." – Sonya Sterba, Vanderbilt University, USA
"With this highly accessible, easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide for analyzing both simple and complex latent variable models in the increasingly popular R software program, Finch and French provide an extremely valuable service to researchers in various fields." – Christian Geiser, Utah State University, USA
"A major characteristic of this book is the user-friendly presentation of content and easy to follow examples. It provides excellent instruction to gain basic proficiency in the methods and reaches a large audience." – Karl Schweizer, Goethe University, Germany
"The book integrates technical details and examples in a way that is friendly to beginner users of structural equation modeling and item response theory, and helps readers assimilate the concepts and transfer to their own research needs." – Walter L. Leite, University of Florida, USA
"A cohesive and accessible resource for applying the R language to analyze data in a latent variable framework. ... I found what was written to be easy to understand. ... I would use it, recommend it to others, and likely adopt it as a supplemental text." – Natalie D. Eggum, Arizona State University, USA
"This book is truly unique. ...The writing style is clear and comprehensible. ... [It] will ... serve as a ... supplementary text in ... measurement, latent variable modeling, and IRT classes." – D. Betsy McCoach, University of Connecticut, USA
"This ... book covers all the latent variable models commonly used in social sciences. ... [It] can be used as a text ... for ... courses ... in ... structural equation modelling, psychological measurement, item response theory, and mixture model or latent class analysis. ... [It] makes a significant contribution to the field. ... I will use [it] as a supplement ... and recommend it to my colleagues who ... teach Psychological Measurement and Item Response Theory."- Ke-Hai Yuan, University of Notre Dame, USA
"The topic has the potential ... to be of broad interest in social, prevention, and public health sciences. ... [It] could be of great interest to ... my students in courses on latent variable modeling." – Patrick S. Malone, University of South Carolina, USA
