Structural equation models of latent interactions: evaluation of alternative estimation strategies and indicator construction

Psychol Methods. 2004 Sep;9(3):275-300. doi: 10.1037/1082-989X.9.3.275.

Abstract

Interactions between (multiple indicator) latent variables are rarely used because of implementation complexity and competing strategies. Based on 4 simulation studies, the traditional constrained approach performed more poorly than did 3 new approaches--unconstrained, generalized appended product indicator, and quasi-maximum-likelihood (QML). The authors' new unconstrained approach was easiest to apply. All 4 approaches were relatively unbiased for normally distributed indicators, but the constrained and QML approaches were more biased for nonnormal data; the size and direction of the bias varied with the distribution but not with the sample size. QML had more power, but this advantage was qualified by consistently higher Type I error rates. The authors also compared general strategies for defining product indicators to represent the latent interaction factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions*
  • Mathematical Computing*
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Psychology, Experimental / statistics & numerical data*
  • Software