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Algorithms for Measurement Invariance Testing

Contrasts and Connections

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2023

Veronica Cole
Affiliation:
Wake Forest University, North Carolina
Conor H. Lacey
Affiliation:
Wake Forest University, North Carolina

Summary

Latent variable models are a powerful tool for measuring many of the phenomena in which developmental psychologists are often interested. If these phenomena are not measured equally well among all participants, this would result in biased inferences about how they unfold throughout development. In the absence of such biases, measurement invariance is achieved; if this bias is present, differential item functioning (DIF) would occur. This Element introduces the testing of measurement invariance/DIF through nonlinear factor analysis. After introducing models which are used to study these questions, the Element uses them to formulate different definitions of measurement invariance and DIF. It also focuses on different procedures for locating and quantifying these effects. The Element finally provides recommendations for researchers about how to navigate these options to make valid inferences about measurement in their own data.
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Algorithms for Measurement Invariance Testing
  • Veronica Cole, Wake Forest University, North Carolina, Conor H. Lacey, Wake Forest University, North Carolina
  • Online ISBN: 9781009303408
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Algorithms for Measurement Invariance Testing
  • Veronica Cole, Wake Forest University, North Carolina, Conor H. Lacey, Wake Forest University, North Carolina
  • Online ISBN: 9781009303408
Available formats
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To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Algorithms for Measurement Invariance Testing
  • Veronica Cole, Wake Forest University, North Carolina, Conor H. Lacey, Wake Forest University, North Carolina
  • Online ISBN: 9781009303408
Available formats
×