Higher-Order Growth Curves and Mixture Modeling with Mplus

Book excerpt: This practical introduction to second-order and growth mixture models using Mplus introduces simple and complex techniques through incremental steps. The authors extend latent growth curves to second-order growth curve and mixture models and then combine the two. To maximize understanding, each model is presented with basic structural equations, figures with associated syntax that highlight what the statistics mean, Mplus applications, and an interpretation of results. Examples from a variety of disciplines demonstrate the use of the models and exercises allow readers to test their understanding of the techniques. A comprehensive introduction to confirmatory factor analysis, latent growth curve modeling, and growth mixture modeling is provided so the book can be used by readers of various skill levels. The book’s datasets are available on the web. Highlights include: -Illustrative examples using Mplus 7.4 include conceptual figures, Mplus program syntax, and an interpretation of results to show readers how to carry out the analyses with actual data. -Exercises with an answer key allow readers to practice the skills they learn. -Applications to a variety of disciplines appeal to those in the behavioral, social, political, educational, occupational, business, and health sciences. -Data files for all the illustrative examples and exercises at www.routledge.com/9781138925151 allow readers to test their understanding of the concepts. -Point to Remember boxes aid in reader comprehension or provide in-depth discussions of key statistical or theoretical concepts. Part 1 introduces basic structural equation modeling (SEM) as well as first- and second-order growth curve modeling. The book opens with the basic concepts from SEM, possible extensions of conventional growth curve models, and the data and measures used throughout the book. The subsequent chapters in part 1 explain the extensions. Chapter 2 introduces conventional modeling of multidimensional panel data, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and growth curve modeling, and its limitations. The logical and theoretical extension of a CFA to a second-order growth curve, known as curve-of-factors model (CFM), are explained in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 illustrates the estimation and interpretation of unconditional and conditional CFMs. Chapter 5 presents the logical and theoretical extension of a parallel process model to a second-order growth curve, known as factor-of-curves model (FCM). Chapter 6 illustrates the estimation and interpretation of unconditional and conditional FCMs. Part 2 reviews growth mixture modeling including unconditional growth mixture modeling (Ch. 7) and conditional growth mixture models (Ch. 8). How to extend second-order growth curves (curve-of-factors and factor-of-curves models) to growth mixture models is highlighted in Chapter 9. Ideal as a supplement for use in graduate courses on (advanced) structural equation, multilevel, longitudinal, or latent variable modeling, latent growth curve and mixture modeling, factor analysis, multivariate statistics, or advanced quantitative techniques (methods) taught in psychology, human development and family studies, business, education, health, and social sciences, this book’s practical approach also appeals to researchers. Prerequisites include a basic knowledge of intermediate statistics and structural equation modeling.