The use of structural equation modelling (SEM) has steadily increased in behavioural science where two submodels are identified including a measurement model and a structural model. In this study the research paradigm indicates and concurrently strives to combine measurement and structural model for complete parameter tests. SEM is a quantitative data analytical technique which specifies, estimates and tests theoretical relationships between observed endogenous variables and latent, unobserved exogenous variables. (Byrne, 2001) The SEM is a statistical methodology that takes a confirmatory that is, hypothesis testing approach to the analysis of a structural theory. This theory represents causal processes that generate observations on multiple variables. (Yuan & Bentler, 1998) The SEM procedure starts with model specification that links the variables assumed to affect other variables and directionalities of their effects. (Kline, 2011) Specification is a way of structural relations being modelled pictorially to enable clearer conceptualisation of the theory under study. In the estimation process, SEM produces regression weights, variances, covariances and correlations in its iterative procedures converged on a set of parameter estimates. (Holmes-Smith, Coote, & Cunningham, 2004) On specification the model is then tested for plausibility based on the sample data that comprise all observed variables in the model. The main task in model testing is to determine the goodness-of-fit between the hypothesized model and the sample data.
Fit Indices
There is abundance of fit indices and wide variety of disparity in agreement on which indices to report and also the cut-offs for various indices, (Hooper, Coughlan, & Mullen, 2008) because dif...
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...are the options to verify the dimensionality of the measurement or to verify the model fit. The modification of the model is aided by modification indices (MIs) sometimes in conjunction with parameter estimates statistics. (Lei & Wu, 2007) These indices were examined during evaluation of model fit to get the direction of modification, for example whether freeing or incorporating parameters either between or among unobserved variables is required in obtaining better model fit. Anderson and Gerbing (1988) suggested that under unacceptable but converged and proper solutions, relating or deleting the indicator from the model are the preferred basic ways to respecify the model. Hence, item deletion or adding new path indicator are the best ways to get a more parsimonious model. The measurements models for each construct measure are discussed in the following sections.
Sellbom, M., Bagby, R. M., Kushner, S., Quilty, L. C., & Ayearst, L. E. (2012). Diagnostic construct validity of MMPI-2 restructured form (MMPI-2-RF) scale scores. Assessment,19(2), 176-186. doi:10.1177/1073191111428763
Gladding, S. T. (2010). Family therapy: History, theory, and practice (5th Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson
Construct Validity: Construct validity refer to how well a measure actually measures the construct it is intended to measure. It is related to the measure capturing the major dimension of the concept under study (Polit& Beck, 2010). The more abstract the concept, the more difficult it is to establish construct validity. Known group validation typically involves demonstrating that some scale can differentiate members of one group from another. The procedures in known group technique consist of an instrument being administered to be high and low on the measured concept.
6. Why is it important to use both graphs and summary indices (e.g., the means) to interpret the results of a study—or is it?
The General Linear Model (GLM) is an important cornerstone that delivers a comprehensive and prevalent mathematical structure for statistical analyses in applied social research (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008; Zheng & Agresti, 2000). GLM is a system that measu...
Likewise, in order to validate construct validity, Malhotra et al. (2012) recommends that in conducting research, researchers should use multi versus single-item scales to validate data from experiments, depending upon the complexity of the experiment. Malhotra et al. (2012) also recommends using a step-by-step approach ...
The Analysis of the Five Factor Model In this essay, first the Five Factor Model (FFM) will be described. Secondly, psychologists for and against the model will be looked at. Following this, the stability of traits will be looked at, both longitudinal and cross situational. Finally, the application of the model within and outside psychology will be evaluated to show support that the FFM provides a solid foundation for an adequate personality psychology.
...s and the GLM model, thus showing an adequate measure for the different variables. The study notes the small sample size. This brings up an issue of external validity, and being able to generalize the results to a wider population outside of their college students (Cozby, 2009).
Models can be tested, changed, or used to guide research or to provide a base for evaluation(Blais,2002).
The empirical data offered by the Technical Manual shows strong and distinctive correlational findings, and consistent measures of the constructs the scales target. These findings provide strong evidence supporting the construct validity and reliability of the 51 Scales found in the MMPI-2-RF. There is much research supporting or opposing the claim of reliability in the MMPI-2-RF.... ... middle of paper ... ... Diagnostic construct validity of MMPI-2 restructured form (MMPI-2-RF) scale scores.
Structural Functionalism or what I call just functionalism, is just another theory that has society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. This approach looks at society through the macro-level of orientation, which is a broad focus on the social structures that shape society as a whole, and believes that society has evolved like organisms. This approach looks at both social structure and the social functions. Functionalism has society as a whole in terms of the function of its constituent elements; namely norms and customs, traditions, and institutions. There is a common analogy, popularized by Herbert Spencer that presents these parts of society as "organs" that works towards the proper functioning of the "body" as a whole. In the most basic terms, it simply emphasizes "the effort to impute and the rigorously as possible, to each feature, custom, or even practice the effect on the functioning of a supposedly stable and cohesive system.
Now within the rest of this paper you will be finding a few different things getting discussed. Staring it off we will be discussing the articles that we have found to make our arguments and hypotheses. After wrapping up the literature reviews we will be discussing the hypotheses thus continuing onto our variables and indicators. Once we discuss our hypotheses we will be moving onto the research design. The research design will have our general issues, sampling, and methods.
Cohen, Ledford and Spreitzer’s (1996) paper tested the relative strength of predictors from competing theories
1.Explain the three dominant sociological theories discussed in class. How do they impact our understanding/explanation of social phenomena?
According to the article entitled,” A Theory of Human Motivation” by A.H. Maslow, Maslow stated that human motivation is defined in several ways. Some of the ways that human motivation is define is :