Arbitrary Metrics in Multiple-Indicator Models of Latent Variables
It is well known that only ratios of lambda coefficients are identified from moments among measured variables in most covariance structure models with latent variables. Typically, researchers establish a metric for latent variables by fixing the lambda coefficient for an arbitrarily selected reference indicator. This paper demonstrates that this practice can produce arbitrary calibration of latent variables, undermine interpretation of metric parameters, and lead to invalid cross-population comparisons. The problem is illustrated with hypothetical examples. Analytical results are derived, and implications for sociological research are discussed.
Year of publication: |
1986
|
---|---|
Authors: | BIELBY, WILLIAM T. |
Published in: |
Sociological Methods & Research. - Vol. 15.1986, 1-2, p. 3-23
|
Saved in:
Online Resource
Saved in favorites
Similar items by person
-
The differentiation of occupations
Bielby, William T., (1975)
-
Promoting racial diversity at work : challenges and solutions
Bielby, William T., (2008)
-
Bringing the firms back in : stratification, segmentation, and the organization of work
Baron, James N., (1980)
- More ...