Comparing standardized coefficients in structural equation modeling: A model reparameterization approach

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71 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We propose a two-stage method for comparing standardized coefficients in structural equation modeling (SEM). At stage 1, we transform the original model of interest into the standardized model by model reparameterization, so that the model parameters appearing in the standardized model are equivalent to the standardized parameters of the original model. At stage 2, we impose appropriate linear equality constraints on the standardized model and use a likelihood ratio test to make statistical inferences about the equality of standardized coefficients. Unlike other existing methods for comparing standardized coefficients, the proposed method does not require specific modeling features (e.g., specification of nonlinear constraints), which are available only in certain SEM software programs. Moreover, this method allows researchers to compare two or more standardized coefficients simultaneously in a standard and convenient way. Three real examples are given to illustrate the proposed method, using EQS, a popular SEM software program. Results show that the proposed method performs satisfactorily for testing the equality of standardized coefficients. Copyright © 2011 Psychonomic Society, Inc.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)730-745
JournalBehavior Research Methods
Volume43
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2011

Citation

Kwan, J. L. Y., & Chan, W. (2011). Comparing standardized coefficients in structural equation modeling: A model reparameterization approach. Behavior Research Methods, 43(3), 730-745. doi: 10.3758/s13428-011-0088-6

Keywords

  • Standardization
  • Model reparameterization
  • Structural equation modeling

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