Ant Colony Optimization and Local Weighted Structural Equation Modeling. A Tutorial on Novel Item and Person Sampling Procedures for Personality Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Olaru ◽  
Ulrich Schroeders ◽  
Johanna Hartung ◽  
Oliver Wilhelm

Measurement in personality development faces many psychometric problems. First, theory–based measurement models do not fit the empirical data in terms of traditional confirmatory factor analysis. Second, measurement invariance across age, which is necessary for a meaningful interpretation of age–associated personality differences, is rarely accomplished. Finally, continuous moderator variables, such as age, are often artificially categorized. This categorization leads to bias when interpreting differences in personality across age. In this tutorial, we introduce methods to remedy these problems. We illustrate how Ant Colony Optimization can be used to sample indicators that meet prespecified demands such as model fit. Further, we use Local Structural Equation Modeling to resample and weight subjects to study differences in the measurement model across age as a continuous moderator variable. We also provide a detailed illustration for both tools with the Neuroticism scale of the openly available International Personality Item Pool – NEO inventory using data from the UK sample ( N = 15 827). Combined, both tools can remedy persistent problems in research on personality and its development. In addition to a step–by–step illustration, we provide commented syntax for both tools. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzeng Yih Lam ◽  
Douglas A. Maguire

Forest ecosystem dynamics are driven by a complex array of simultaneous cause-and-effect relationships. Understanding this complex web requires specialized analytical techniques such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The SEM framework and implementation steps are outlined in this study, and we then demonstrate the technique by application to overstory-understory relationships in mature Douglas-fir forests in the northwestern USA. A SEM model was formulated with (1) a path model representing the effects of successively higher layers of vegetation on late-seral herbs through processes such as light attenuation and (2) a measurement model accounting for measurement errors. The fitted SEM model suggested a direct negative effect of light attenuation on late-seral herbs cover but a direct positive effect of northern aspect. Moreover, many processes have indirect effects mediated through midstory vegetation. SEM is recommended as a forest management tool for designing silvicultural treatments and systems for attaining complex arrays of management objectives.


Author(s):  
João Corrêa ◽  
João Turrioni ◽  
Carlos Mello ◽  
Ana Santos ◽  
Carlos da Silva ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a measurement model that evaluates the Brazilian hospital accreditation methodology (ONA), based on a multivariate model using structural equation modeling (SEM). The information used to develop the model was obtained from a questionnaire sent to all organizations accredited by the ONA methodology. A model was built based on the data obtained and tested through a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique using the LISREL® software (Scientific Software International, Inc., Skokie, IL, USA). Four different tests were performed: Initial, calibrated, simulated, and cross-validation models. By analyzing and validating the proposed measurement model, it can be verified that the selected factors satisfy the required criteria for the development of a structural model. The results show that leadership action is one of the most important factors in the process of health services accredited by ONA. Although, leadership, staff management, quality management, organizational culture, process orientation, and safety are strongly linked to the development of health organizations, and directly influence the accreditation process.


2021 ◽  
pp. 146735842110440
Author(s):  
Legy Clara Joseph ◽  
Vasanthi Soundararajan ◽  
Satyanarayana Parayitam

This article aims to explore the relationships between destination attractions, tourists’ awareness of eco-tourism and facilities, level of perceived service, opportunities and problems, and tourist satisfaction in backwater tourism in Kerala, India. Using a structured survey instrument, we gathered data from 586 tourists. A conceptual model was developed and tested after checking the psychometric properties of the instrument. We tested the measurement model using the Lisrel package (structural equation modeling), and Hayes (2018) process macros were used to test the moderation hypotheses. The results confirm that (i) attraction and opportunities are positively related to tourist satisfaction, (ii) perception of service positively moderates the relationship between attraction and tourist satisfaction, (iii) perception of service (first moderator) and awareness (second moderator) interact to influence the relationship between attraction and tourist satisfaction, and (iv) problems negatively moderate the positive relationship between opportunities and tourist satisfaction. The implications for the literature on tourism and hospitality and practicing managers are discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 633-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsien-Yuan Hsu ◽  
Tze-Li Hsu ◽  
KoFan Lee ◽  
Lori Wolff

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the construct validity of Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB) using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). The data were drawn from the national survey of Midlife in the United States conducted during 1994 and 1995. Measurement models assuming different number of factors (1-6 factors) and considering the effect of negatively wording items were specified and compared to determine optimal number of underlying factors. The discriminant validity was assessed following Farrell’s suggestions. The results showed the discriminant validity was questionable due to five indicators with considerable cross-loadings.


Assessment ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1731-1747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saundra M. Tabet ◽  
Glenn W. Lambie ◽  
Shiva Jahani ◽  
S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh

The researchers examined the factor structure and model specifications of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) with confirmatory tetrad analysis (CTA) using partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample of adult clients ( N = 298) receiving individual therapy at a university-based counseling research center. The CTA and PLS-SEM results identified the formative nature of the WHODAS 2.0 subscale scores, supporting an alternative measurement model of the WHODAS 2.0 scores as a second-order formative–formative model.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nebojsa S. Davcik

Purpose – The research practice in management research is dominantly based on structural equation modeling (SEM), but almost exclusively, and often misguidedly, on covariance-based SEM. The purpose of this paper is to question the current research myopia in management research, because the paper adumbrates theoretical foundations and guidance for the two SEM streams: covariance-based and variance-based SEM; and improves the conceptual knowledge by comparing the most important procedures and elements in the SEM study, using different theoretical criteria. Design/methodology/approach – The study thoroughly analyzes, reviews and presents two streams using common methodological background. The conceptual framework discusses the two streams by analysis of theory, measurement model specification, sample and goodness-of-fit. Findings – The paper identifies and discusses the use and misuse of covariance-based and variance-based SEM utilizing common topics such as: first, theory (theory background, relation to theory and research orientation); second, measurement model specification (type of latent construct, type of study, reliability measures, etc.); third, sample (sample size and data distribution assumption); and fourth, goodness-of-fit (measurement of the model fit and residual co/variance). Originality/value – The paper questions the usefulness of Cronbach's α research paradigm and discusses alternatives that are well established in social science, but not well known in the management research community. The author presents short research illustration in which analyzes the four recently published papers using common methodological background. The paper concludes with discussion of some open questions in management research practice that remain under-investigated and unutilized.


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