Abstract
The model comparison framework of Levy and Hancock for covariance and mean structure models is extended to treat multiple-group models, both in cases in which group membership is known and in those in which it is unknown (i.e., finite mixtures). The framework addresses questions of distinguishability as well as difference in fit of the models with respect to data, first by determining the nature of the models' relation in terms of the families of distributions that constitute the models and then by conducting the appropriate statistical tests. In the case of latent mixtures of groups, the standard likelihood ratio theory does not apply, and a bootstrapping approach is used to facilitate the tests. Illustrations demonstrate the procedures.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 256-278 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Journal | Sociological Methods and Research |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2011 |
Keywords
- bootstrap
- mixture model
- model comparisons
- multiple-group model
- structural equation modeling
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- Sociology and Political Science