TY - JOUR
T1 - Model Fit and Comparison in Finite Mixture Models
T2 - A Review and a Novel Approach
AU - Grimm, Kevin J.
AU - Houpt, Russell
AU - Rodgers, Danielle
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Copyright © 2021 Grimm, Houpt and Rodgers.
PY - 2021/3/4
Y1 - 2021/3/4
N2 - One of the greatest challenges in the application of finite mixture models is model comparison. A variety of statistical fit indices exist, including information criteria, approximate likelihood ratio tests, and resampling techniques; however, none of these indices describe the amount of improvement in model fit when a latent class is added to the model. We review these model fit statistics and propose a novel approach, the likelihood increment percentage per parameter (LIPpp), targeting the relative improvement in model fit when a class is added to the model. Simulation work based on two previous simulation studies highlighted the potential for the LIPpp to identify the correct number of classes, and provide context for the magnitude of improvement in model fit. We conclude with recommendations and future research directions.
AB - One of the greatest challenges in the application of finite mixture models is model comparison. A variety of statistical fit indices exist, including information criteria, approximate likelihood ratio tests, and resampling techniques; however, none of these indices describe the amount of improvement in model fit when a latent class is added to the model. We review these model fit statistics and propose a novel approach, the likelihood increment percentage per parameter (LIPpp), targeting the relative improvement in model fit when a class is added to the model. Simulation work based on two previous simulation studies highlighted the potential for the LIPpp to identify the correct number of classes, and provide context for the magnitude of improvement in model fit. We conclude with recommendations and future research directions.
KW - finite mixture model
KW - growth mixture modeling
KW - latent class analyses
KW - latent profile analysis
KW - model comparison
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85102921177&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.3389/feduc.2021.613645
DO - 10.3389/feduc.2021.613645
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85102921177
SN - 2504-284X
VL - 6
JO - Frontiers in Education
JF - Frontiers in Education
M1 - 613645
ER -