Author: David Dunson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387767215
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 174
Book Description
Random Effect and Latent Variable Model Selection In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the collection of multivariate and correlated data in a wide variety of ?elds. For example, it is now standard pr- tice to routinely collect many response variables on each individual in a study. The different variables may correspond to repeated measurements over time, to a battery of surrogates for one or more latent traits, or to multiple types of outcomes having an unknown dependence structure. Hierarchical models that incorporate subje- speci?c parameters are one of the most widely-used tools for analyzing multivariate and correlated data. Such subject-speci?c parameters are commonly referred to as random effects, latent variables or frailties. There are two modeling frameworks that have been particularly widely used as hierarchical generalizations of linear regression models. The ?rst is the linear mixed effects model (Laird and Ware , 1982) and the second is the structural equation model (Bollen , 1989). Linear mixed effects (LME) models extend linear regr- sion to incorporate two components, with the ?rst corresponding to ?xed effects describing the impact of predictors on the mean and the second to random effects characterizing the impact on the covariance. LMEs have also been increasingly used for function estimation. In implementing LME analyses, model selection problems are unavoidable. For example, there may be interest in comparing models with and without a predictor in the ?xed and/or random effects component.
Random Effect and Latent Variable Model Selection
Author: David Dunson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387767215
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 174
Book Description
Random Effect and Latent Variable Model Selection In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the collection of multivariate and correlated data in a wide variety of ?elds. For example, it is now standard pr- tice to routinely collect many response variables on each individual in a study. The different variables may correspond to repeated measurements over time, to a battery of surrogates for one or more latent traits, or to multiple types of outcomes having an unknown dependence structure. Hierarchical models that incorporate subje- speci?c parameters are one of the most widely-used tools for analyzing multivariate and correlated data. Such subject-speci?c parameters are commonly referred to as random effects, latent variables or frailties. There are two modeling frameworks that have been particularly widely used as hierarchical generalizations of linear regression models. The ?rst is the linear mixed effects model (Laird and Ware , 1982) and the second is the structural equation model (Bollen , 1989). Linear mixed effects (LME) models extend linear regr- sion to incorporate two components, with the ?rst corresponding to ?xed effects describing the impact of predictors on the mean and the second to random effects characterizing the impact on the covariance. LMEs have also been increasingly used for function estimation. In implementing LME analyses, model selection problems are unavoidable. For example, there may be interest in comparing models with and without a predictor in the ?xed and/or random effects component.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387767215
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 174
Book Description
Random Effect and Latent Variable Model Selection In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the collection of multivariate and correlated data in a wide variety of ?elds. For example, it is now standard pr- tice to routinely collect many response variables on each individual in a study. The different variables may correspond to repeated measurements over time, to a battery of surrogates for one or more latent traits, or to multiple types of outcomes having an unknown dependence structure. Hierarchical models that incorporate subje- speci?c parameters are one of the most widely-used tools for analyzing multivariate and correlated data. Such subject-speci?c parameters are commonly referred to as random effects, latent variables or frailties. There are two modeling frameworks that have been particularly widely used as hierarchical generalizations of linear regression models. The ?rst is the linear mixed effects model (Laird and Ware , 1982) and the second is the structural equation model (Bollen , 1989). Linear mixed effects (LME) models extend linear regr- sion to incorporate two components, with the ?rst corresponding to ?xed effects describing the impact of predictors on the mean and the second to random effects characterizing the impact on the covariance. LMEs have also been increasingly used for function estimation. In implementing LME analyses, model selection problems are unavoidable. For example, there may be interest in comparing models with and without a predictor in the ?xed and/or random effects component.
Random Effect and Latent Variable Model Selection
Author: David Dunson
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9780387568393
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 170
Book Description
Random Effect and Latent Variable Model Selection In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the collection of multivariate and correlated data in a wide variety of ?elds. For example, it is now standard pr- tice to routinely collect many response variables on each individual in a study. The different variables may correspond to repeated measurements over time, to a battery of surrogates for one or more latent traits, or to multiple types of outcomes having an unknown dependence structure. Hierarchical models that incorporate subje- speci?c parameters are one of the most widely-used tools for analyzing multivariate and correlated data. Such subject-speci?c parameters are commonly referred to as random effects, latent variables or frailties. There are two modeling frameworks that have been particularly widely used as hierarchical generalizations of linear regression models. The ?rst is the linear mixed effects model (Laird and Ware , 1982) and the second is the structural equation model (Bollen , 1989). Linear mixed effects (LME) models extend linear regr- sion to incorporate two components, with the ?rst corresponding to ?xed effects describing the impact of predictors on the mean and the second to random effects characterizing the impact on the covariance. LMEs have also been increasingly used for function estimation. In implementing LME analyses, model selection problems are unavoidable. For example, there may be interest in comparing models with and without a predictor in the ?xed and/or random effects component.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9780387568393
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 170
Book Description
Random Effect and Latent Variable Model Selection In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the collection of multivariate and correlated data in a wide variety of ?elds. For example, it is now standard pr- tice to routinely collect many response variables on each individual in a study. The different variables may correspond to repeated measurements over time, to a battery of surrogates for one or more latent traits, or to multiple types of outcomes having an unknown dependence structure. Hierarchical models that incorporate subje- speci?c parameters are one of the most widely-used tools for analyzing multivariate and correlated data. Such subject-speci?c parameters are commonly referred to as random effects, latent variables or frailties. There are two modeling frameworks that have been particularly widely used as hierarchical generalizations of linear regression models. The ?rst is the linear mixed effects model (Laird and Ware , 1982) and the second is the structural equation model (Bollen , 1989). Linear mixed effects (LME) models extend linear regr- sion to incorporate two components, with the ?rst corresponding to ?xed effects describing the impact of predictors on the mean and the second to random effects characterizing the impact on the covariance. LMEs have also been increasingly used for function estimation. In implementing LME analyses, model selection problems are unavoidable. For example, there may be interest in comparing models with and without a predictor in the ?xed and/or random effects component.
Latent Variable Models and Factor Analysis
Author: David J. Bartholomew
Publisher: Wiley
ISBN: 9780340692431
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 214
Book Description
Hitherto latent variable modelling has hovered on the fringes of the statistical mainstream but if the purpose of statistics is to deal with real problems, there is every reason for it to move closer to centre stage. In the social sciences especially, latent variables are common and if they are to be handled in a truly scientific manner, statistical theory must be developed to include them. This book aims to show how that should be done. This second edition is a complete re-working of the book of the same name which appeared in the Griffin’s Statistical Monographs in 1987. Since then there has been a surge of interest in latent variable methods which has necessitated a radical revision of the material but the prime object of the book remains the same. It provides a unified and coherent treatment of the field from a statistical perspective. This is achieved by setting up a sufficiently general framework to enable the derivation of the commonly used models. The subsequent analysis is then done wholly within the realm of probability calculus and the theory of statistical inference. Numerical examples are provided as well as the software to carry them out ( where this is not otherwise available). Additional data sets are provided in some cases so that the reader can aquire a wider experience of analysis and interpretation.
Publisher: Wiley
ISBN: 9780340692431
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 214
Book Description
Hitherto latent variable modelling has hovered on the fringes of the statistical mainstream but if the purpose of statistics is to deal with real problems, there is every reason for it to move closer to centre stage. In the social sciences especially, latent variables are common and if they are to be handled in a truly scientific manner, statistical theory must be developed to include them. This book aims to show how that should be done. This second edition is a complete re-working of the book of the same name which appeared in the Griffin’s Statistical Monographs in 1987. Since then there has been a surge of interest in latent variable methods which has necessitated a radical revision of the material but the prime object of the book remains the same. It provides a unified and coherent treatment of the field from a statistical perspective. This is achieved by setting up a sufficiently general framework to enable the derivation of the commonly used models. The subsequent analysis is then done wholly within the realm of probability calculus and the theory of statistical inference. Numerical examples are provided as well as the software to carry them out ( where this is not otherwise available). Additional data sets are provided in some cases so that the reader can aquire a wider experience of analysis and interpretation.
Handbook of Latent Variable and Related Models
Author:
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080471269
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 458
Book Description
This Handbook covers latent variable models, which are a flexible class of models for modeling multivariate data to explore relationships among observed and latent variables. - Covers a wide class of important models - Models and statistical methods described provide tools for analyzing a wide spectrum of complicated data - Includes illustrative examples with real data sets from business, education, medicine, public health and sociology. - Demonstrates the use of a wide variety of statistical, computational, and mathematical techniques.
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080471269
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 458
Book Description
This Handbook covers latent variable models, which are a flexible class of models for modeling multivariate data to explore relationships among observed and latent variables. - Covers a wide class of important models - Models and statistical methods described provide tools for analyzing a wide spectrum of complicated data - Includes illustrative examples with real data sets from business, education, medicine, public health and sociology. - Demonstrates the use of a wide variety of statistical, computational, and mathematical techniques.
Advances in Latent Class Analysis
Author: Gregory R. Hancock
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1641135638
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
What is latent class analysis? If you asked that question thirty or forty years ago you would have gotten a different answer than you would today. Closer to its time of inception, latent class analysis was viewed primarily as a categorical data analysis technique, often framed as a factor analysis model where both the measured variable indicators and underlying latent variables are categorical. Today, however, it rests within much broader mixture and diagnostic modeling framework, integrating measured and latent variables that may be categorical and/or continuous, and where latent classes serve to define the subpopulations for whom many aspects of the focal measured and latent variable model may differ. For latent class analysis to take these developmental leaps required contributions that were methodological, certainly, as well as didactic. Among the leaders on both fronts was C. Mitchell “Chan” Dayton, at the University of Maryland, whose work in latent class analysis spanning several decades helped the method to expand and reach its current potential. The current volume in the Center for Integrated Latent Variable Research (CILVR) series reflects the diversity that is latent class analysis today, celebrating work related to, made possible by, and inspired by Chan’s noted contributions, and signaling the even more exciting future yet to come.
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1641135638
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
What is latent class analysis? If you asked that question thirty or forty years ago you would have gotten a different answer than you would today. Closer to its time of inception, latent class analysis was viewed primarily as a categorical data analysis technique, often framed as a factor analysis model where both the measured variable indicators and underlying latent variables are categorical. Today, however, it rests within much broader mixture and diagnostic modeling framework, integrating measured and latent variables that may be categorical and/or continuous, and where latent classes serve to define the subpopulations for whom many aspects of the focal measured and latent variable model may differ. For latent class analysis to take these developmental leaps required contributions that were methodological, certainly, as well as didactic. Among the leaders on both fronts was C. Mitchell “Chan” Dayton, at the University of Maryland, whose work in latent class analysis spanning several decades helped the method to expand and reach its current potential. The current volume in the Center for Integrated Latent Variable Research (CILVR) series reflects the diversity that is latent class analysis today, celebrating work related to, made possible by, and inspired by Chan’s noted contributions, and signaling the even more exciting future yet to come.
Bayesian inference with INLA
Author: Virgilio Gomez-Rubio
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351707205
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
The integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) is a recent computational method that can fit Bayesian models in a fraction of the time required by typical Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. INLA focuses on marginal inference on the model parameters of latent Gaussian Markov random fields models and exploits conditional independence properties in the model for computational speed. Bayesian Inference with INLA provides a description of INLA and its associated R package for model fitting. This book describes the underlying methodology as well as how to fit a wide range of models with R. Topics covered include generalized linear mixed-effects models, multilevel models, spatial and spatio-temporal models, smoothing methods, survival analysis, imputation of missing values, and mixture models. Advanced features of the INLA package and how to extend the number of priors and latent models available in the package are discussed. All examples in the book are fully reproducible and datasets and R code are available from the book website. This book will be helpful to researchers from different areas with some background in Bayesian inference that want to apply the INLA method in their work. The examples cover topics on biostatistics, econometrics, education, environmental science, epidemiology, public health, and the social sciences.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351707205
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
The integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) is a recent computational method that can fit Bayesian models in a fraction of the time required by typical Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. INLA focuses on marginal inference on the model parameters of latent Gaussian Markov random fields models and exploits conditional independence properties in the model for computational speed. Bayesian Inference with INLA provides a description of INLA and its associated R package for model fitting. This book describes the underlying methodology as well as how to fit a wide range of models with R. Topics covered include generalized linear mixed-effects models, multilevel models, spatial and spatio-temporal models, smoothing methods, survival analysis, imputation of missing values, and mixture models. Advanced features of the INLA package and how to extend the number of priors and latent models available in the package are discussed. All examples in the book are fully reproducible and datasets and R code are available from the book website. This book will be helpful to researchers from different areas with some background in Bayesian inference that want to apply the INLA method in their work. The examples cover topics on biostatistics, econometrics, education, environmental science, epidemiology, public health, and the social sciences.
Latent Curve Models
Author: Kenneth A. Bollen
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 047145592X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
An effective technique for data analysis in the social sciences The recent explosion in longitudinal data in the social sciences highlights the need for this timely publication. Latent Curve Models: A Structural Equation Perspective provides an effective technique to analyze latent curve models (LCMs). This type of data features random intercepts and slopes that permit each case in a sample to have a different trajectory over time. Furthermore, researchers can include variables to predict the parameters governing these trajectories. The authors synthesize a vast amount of research and findings and, at the same time, provide original results. The book analyzes LCMs from the perspective of structural equation models (SEMs) with latent variables. While the authors discuss simple regression-based procedures that are useful in the early stages of LCMs, most of the presentation uses SEMs as a driving tool. This cutting-edge work includes some of the authors' recent work on the autoregressive latent trajectory model, suggests new models for method factors in multiple indicators, discusses repeated latent variable models, and establishes the identification of a variety of LCMs. This text has been thoroughly class-tested and makes extensive use of pedagogical tools to aid readers in mastering and applying LCMs quickly and easily to their own data sets. Key features include: Chapter introductions and summaries that provide a quick overview of highlights Empirical examples provided throughout that allow readers to test their newly found knowledge and discover practical applications Conclusions at the end of each chapter that stress the essential points that readers need to understand for advancement to more sophisticated topics Extensive footnoting that points the way to the primary literature for more information on particular topics With its emphasis on modeling and the use of numerous examples, this is an excellent book for graduate courses in latent trajectory models as well as a supplemental text for courses in structural modeling. This book is an excellent aid and reference for researchers in quantitative social and behavioral sciences who need to analyze longitudinal data.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 047145592X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
An effective technique for data analysis in the social sciences The recent explosion in longitudinal data in the social sciences highlights the need for this timely publication. Latent Curve Models: A Structural Equation Perspective provides an effective technique to analyze latent curve models (LCMs). This type of data features random intercepts and slopes that permit each case in a sample to have a different trajectory over time. Furthermore, researchers can include variables to predict the parameters governing these trajectories. The authors synthesize a vast amount of research and findings and, at the same time, provide original results. The book analyzes LCMs from the perspective of structural equation models (SEMs) with latent variables. While the authors discuss simple regression-based procedures that are useful in the early stages of LCMs, most of the presentation uses SEMs as a driving tool. This cutting-edge work includes some of the authors' recent work on the autoregressive latent trajectory model, suggests new models for method factors in multiple indicators, discusses repeated latent variable models, and establishes the identification of a variety of LCMs. This text has been thoroughly class-tested and makes extensive use of pedagogical tools to aid readers in mastering and applying LCMs quickly and easily to their own data sets. Key features include: Chapter introductions and summaries that provide a quick overview of highlights Empirical examples provided throughout that allow readers to test their newly found knowledge and discover practical applications Conclusions at the end of each chapter that stress the essential points that readers need to understand for advancement to more sophisticated topics Extensive footnoting that points the way to the primary literature for more information on particular topics With its emphasis on modeling and the use of numerous examples, this is an excellent book for graduate courses in latent trajectory models as well as a supplemental text for courses in structural modeling. This book is an excellent aid and reference for researchers in quantitative social and behavioral sciences who need to analyze longitudinal data.
Multivariate Analysis with LISREL
Author: Karl G. Jöreskog
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319331531
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 561
Book Description
This book traces the theory and methodology of multivariate statistical analysis and shows how it can be conducted in practice using the LISREL computer program. It presents not only the typical uses of LISREL, such as confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models, but also several other multivariate analysis topics, including regression (univariate, multivariate, censored, logistic, and probit), generalized linear models, multilevel analysis, and principal component analysis. It provides numerous examples from several disciplines and discusses and interprets the results, illustrated with sections of output from the LISREL program, in the context of the example. The book is intended for masters and PhD students and researchers in the social, behavioral, economic and many other sciences who require a basic understanding of multivariate statistical theory and methods for their analysis of multivariate data. It can also be used as a textbook on various topics of multivariate statistical analysis.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319331531
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 561
Book Description
This book traces the theory and methodology of multivariate statistical analysis and shows how it can be conducted in practice using the LISREL computer program. It presents not only the typical uses of LISREL, such as confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models, but also several other multivariate analysis topics, including regression (univariate, multivariate, censored, logistic, and probit), generalized linear models, multilevel analysis, and principal component analysis. It provides numerous examples from several disciplines and discusses and interprets the results, illustrated with sections of output from the LISREL program, in the context of the example. The book is intended for masters and PhD students and researchers in the social, behavioral, economic and many other sciences who require a basic understanding of multivariate statistical theory and methods for their analysis of multivariate data. It can also be used as a textbook on various topics of multivariate statistical analysis.
Latent Variable Modeling Using R
Author: A. Alexander Beaujean
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317970721
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 337
Book Description
This step-by-step guide is written for R and latent variable model (LVM) novices. Utilizing a path model approach and focusing on the lavaan package, this book is designed to help readers quickly understand LVMs and their analysis in R. The author reviews the reasoning behind the syntax selected and provides examples that demonstrate how to analyze data for a variety of LVMs. Featuring examples applicable to psychology, education, business, and other social and health sciences, minimal text is devoted to theoretical underpinnings. The material is presented without the use of matrix algebra. As a whole the book prepares readers to write about and interpret LVM results they obtain in R. Each chapter features background information, boldfaced key terms defined in the glossary, detailed interpretations of R output, descriptions of how to write the analysis of results for publication, a summary, R based practice exercises (with solutions included in the back of the book), and references and related readings. Margin notes help readers better understand LVMs and write their own R syntax. Examples using data from published work across a variety of disciplines demonstrate how to use R syntax for analyzing and interpreting results. R functions, syntax, and the corresponding results appear in gray boxes to help readers quickly locate this material. A unique index helps readers quickly locate R functions, packages, and datasets. The book and accompanying website at http://blogs.baylor.edu/rlatentvariable/ provides all of the data for the book’s examples and exercises as well as R syntax so readers can replicate the analyses. The book reviews how to enter the data into R, specify the LVMs, and obtain and interpret the estimated parameter values. The book opens with the fundamentals of using R including how to download the program, use functions, and enter and manipulate data. Chapters 2 and 3 introduce and then extend path models to include latent variables. Chapter 4 shows readers how to analyze a latent variable model with data from more than one group, while Chapter 5 shows how to analyze a latent variable model with data from more than one time period. Chapter 6 demonstrates the analysis of dichotomous variables, while Chapter 7 demonstrates how to analyze LVMs with missing data. Chapter 8 focuses on sample size determination using Monte Carlo methods, which can be used with a wide range of statistical models and account for missing data. The final chapter examines hierarchical LVMs, demonstrating both higher-order and bi-factor approaches. The book concludes with three Appendices: a review of common measures of model fit including their formulae and interpretation; syntax for other R latent variable models packages; and solutions for each chapter’s exercises. Intended as a supplementary text for graduate and/or advanced undergraduate courses on latent variable modeling, factor analysis, structural equation modeling, item response theory, measurement, or multivariate statistics taught in psychology, education, human development, business, economics, and social and health sciences, this book also appeals to researchers in these fields. Prerequisites include familiarity with basic statistical concepts, but knowledge of R is not assumed.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317970721
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 337
Book Description
This step-by-step guide is written for R and latent variable model (LVM) novices. Utilizing a path model approach and focusing on the lavaan package, this book is designed to help readers quickly understand LVMs and their analysis in R. The author reviews the reasoning behind the syntax selected and provides examples that demonstrate how to analyze data for a variety of LVMs. Featuring examples applicable to psychology, education, business, and other social and health sciences, minimal text is devoted to theoretical underpinnings. The material is presented without the use of matrix algebra. As a whole the book prepares readers to write about and interpret LVM results they obtain in R. Each chapter features background information, boldfaced key terms defined in the glossary, detailed interpretations of R output, descriptions of how to write the analysis of results for publication, a summary, R based practice exercises (with solutions included in the back of the book), and references and related readings. Margin notes help readers better understand LVMs and write their own R syntax. Examples using data from published work across a variety of disciplines demonstrate how to use R syntax for analyzing and interpreting results. R functions, syntax, and the corresponding results appear in gray boxes to help readers quickly locate this material. A unique index helps readers quickly locate R functions, packages, and datasets. The book and accompanying website at http://blogs.baylor.edu/rlatentvariable/ provides all of the data for the book’s examples and exercises as well as R syntax so readers can replicate the analyses. The book reviews how to enter the data into R, specify the LVMs, and obtain and interpret the estimated parameter values. The book opens with the fundamentals of using R including how to download the program, use functions, and enter and manipulate data. Chapters 2 and 3 introduce and then extend path models to include latent variables. Chapter 4 shows readers how to analyze a latent variable model with data from more than one group, while Chapter 5 shows how to analyze a latent variable model with data from more than one time period. Chapter 6 demonstrates the analysis of dichotomous variables, while Chapter 7 demonstrates how to analyze LVMs with missing data. Chapter 8 focuses on sample size determination using Monte Carlo methods, which can be used with a wide range of statistical models and account for missing data. The final chapter examines hierarchical LVMs, demonstrating both higher-order and bi-factor approaches. The book concludes with three Appendices: a review of common measures of model fit including their formulae and interpretation; syntax for other R latent variable models packages; and solutions for each chapter’s exercises. Intended as a supplementary text for graduate and/or advanced undergraduate courses on latent variable modeling, factor analysis, structural equation modeling, item response theory, measurement, or multivariate statistics taught in psychology, education, human development, business, economics, and social and health sciences, this book also appeals to researchers in these fields. Prerequisites include familiarity with basic statistical concepts, but knowledge of R is not assumed.
Generalized Latent Variable Modeling
Author: Anders Skrondal
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0203489438
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 523
Book Description
This book unifies and extends latent variable models, including multilevel or generalized linear mixed models, longitudinal or panel models, item response or factor models, latent class or finite mixture models, and structural equation models. Following a gentle introduction to latent variable modeling, the authors clearly explain and contrast a wi
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0203489438
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 523
Book Description
This book unifies and extends latent variable models, including multilevel or generalized linear mixed models, longitudinal or panel models, item response or factor models, latent class or finite mixture models, and structural equation models. Following a gentle introduction to latent variable modeling, the authors clearly explain and contrast a wi