Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Measurement is essential for social and behavioral research, and J. Micah Roos and Shawn Bauldry introduce Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), a statistically informed framework for linking multiple observed variables to latent variables. The authors define terms, introduce notation, and illustrate various measurement models with different relationships between latent and observed variables. The volume focuses on measures that approximate continuous variables and includes a chapter on categorical indicators. Examples are drawn from national surveys, and data and code for replication are available on a companion website.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications Inc

Measurement is the bridge that connects theoretical concepts to the observable realities of the empirical world, serving as a cornerstone of all social and behavioral research. In this comprehensive volume, J. Micah Roos and Shawn Bauldry present a widely adopted approach to measurement: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). As the authors elucidate, CFA is a theoretically informed statistical framework designed to establish connections between multiple observed variables and latent variables that are not directly measurable.

The authors commence by defining key terms, introducing notation, and showcasing a diverse range of measurement models, each characterized by distinct relationships between latent and observed variables. They then delve into the intricate process of model estimation, followed by a comprehensive discussion of model fit. While the majority of the volume concentrates on measures that approximate continuous variables, the authors also dedicate a chapter to categorical indicators. Within each chapter, the authors present distinct examples (sometimes spanning two) encompassing a wide array of topics, including racist attitudes, theological conservatism, leadership qualities, psychological distress, self-efficacy, beliefs about democracy, and Christian nationalism, primarily sourced from national surveys.

To facilitate replication of the examples and enable access to the necessary data and code for R, Stata, and Mplus, a companion website has been provided. This resource empowers researchers to delve deeper into the intricacies of measurement and apply the presented methodologies to their own studies.

By employing CFA, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying structures and relationships between variables, facilitating more accurate and reliable analysis of social and behavioral phenomena. This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners seeking to advance their knowledge in the field of measurement and its application to empirical research.

Weight: 192g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781544375137