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A Comprehensive Method for Using Exploratory Analysis for Latent Curve Analysis

McManus, John T.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1333394999

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Applied Statistics (ASOR).
Latent Curve Analysis (LCA) is a statistical technique used for longitudinal studies that combines the methods of factor analysis with linear models. The purpose of LCA is to allow the modeler to combine common variables into a smaller number of random variables. The random variables are then regressed linearly to allow the modeler to express how the variables change over time. Due to the complexity of LCA, a researcher is forced to choose between a one growth curve model, or spend countless hours attempted to locate a better model. The purpose of this study is to create general methods that will allow future researchers the ability to create more adequate LCA models than the one growth curve model in a timelier manner. The data used for the thesis came from a longitudinal study dated 2000 to 2004. The study was a positive orientation survey that measured seven characteristics of positive orientation for 45 males and 81 female participants over three time periods. Using the program LISREL, a one growth curve LCA model was first analyzed by a group of researchers named Guido Alessandri, Gian Vittorio Caprara, and John Tisak. Using a variety approaches, a total four techniques were created in effort to solve the problem. Using a chi square test, two of the techniques resulted in models that were statistically significantly better than the one LCA model. These two models are discussed in detail within the paper. Though only two of the four techniques produced a better model than the one growth curve LCA model, each of the four methods could prove helpful for future researchers attempting to solve this problem.
Nancy Boudreau, Dr (Advisor)
John Tisak, Dr (Committee Chair)
Maria Rizzo, Dr (Committee Chair)
60 p.
Statistics
LCA; MMA; Latent Curve Analysis; longitudinal modeling;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • McManus, J. T. (2012). A Comprehensive Method for Using Exploratory Analysis for Latent Curve Analysis [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1333394999

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • McManus, John. A Comprehensive Method for Using Exploratory Analysis for Latent Curve Analysis. 2012. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1333394999.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • McManus, John. "A Comprehensive Method for Using Exploratory Analysis for Latent Curve Analysis." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1333394999

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1333394999
378
© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.