Example 7: Comparing Factor Structure in Two Groups

This example, discussed in the textbook by Bollen (1989, pages 355-365), shows how to compare two groups for equivalence of factor structure. It provides a basic introduction to the techniques involved in fitting and comparing factor models in two or more populations. The textbook contains an extensive discussion of the example.

Data for this example are in the Boll362m.sta data file.

The models are in files Boll362a.cmd and Boll362b.cmd.

In order to process this example, you must select the Fixed option button under Manifest exogenous in the Analysis Parameters dialog (accessed by clicking the Set parameters button on the Structural Equation Modeling Startup Panel, Advanced tab.