Rationalizing Delinquency

2014 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesar J. Rebellon ◽  
Michelle E. Manasse ◽  
Karen T. Van Gundy ◽  
Ellen S. Cohn
Keyword(s):  
Latent Variable ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Youth Study ◽  
Criminological Theories

Multiple criminological theories predict that attitudes toward delinquency should affect an individual’s delinquent behavior. Criminological research, however, has not sufficiently incorporated social psychological theory predicting the reverse causal relationship, and tends to suffer from important methodological limitations. The present study addresses these issues using longitudinal data from the New Hampshire Youth Study (N = 626). After using latent variable models to demonstrate the discriminant validity of attitudinal and behavioral measures, it uses structural equation models to examine whether attitudes are stronger predictors of behavior or vice versa. Net of controls, results provide qualified support for a reciprocal relationship but suggest that behavior affects attitudes much more than attitudes affect behavior. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for future research and for interventions aimed at controlling delinquency.

scholarly journals Are Items More Than Indicators? An examination of psychometric homogeneity, item-specific effects, and consequences for structural equation models

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth McClure ◽  
Ross Jacobucci
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Error ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Sum Scores ◽  
Latent Variable Methods

Concerns of measurement error often motivate researchers to aggregate item information, using simple heuristics (e.g., sum scores) or latent variable methods, to mitigate unwanted effects such as parameter bias and attenuation. These approaches are often invoked without acknowledging that many scales in practice likely fail to possess the necessary properties for these models to be sufficient (i.e., positive conditional association and vanishing conditional dependence). We argue that measures which are not psychometrically homogeneous likely contain item specific effects particularly when examined in conjunction with external variables. We demonstrate this using a clinical empirical example assessing risk factors for suicidal ideation and show that measures constructed in alignment with principles of psychometric homogeneity are most appropriately modeled at the scale (or subscale) level while other measures should be considered at the item level. As a result, latent variable applications to such instruments are susceptible to interpretational confounding. The effects of interpretational confounding on R2, root mean square error, and model parameters are evaluated in a small simulation study. We conclude that item specific effects are not uncommon in practice and impact both explanatory and predictive research. Our findings suggest that classical approaches to addressing measurement error are insufficient to fully capture the breadth of instruments implemented in practice. Careful consideration of both the scale construction process and roles of scale items in the broader psychological theory are necessary prior to the application of traditional measurement methods.

Using structural equation modelling to assess the sustainable competitive advantages provided by the low-cost carrier model

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vedant Singh ◽  
S. Vaibhav ◽  
Somesh Kr. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modelling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantages

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between the dimensions of sustainable competitive advantages in the Indian low cost airlines.Design/methodology/approachThis study used structural equation modelling methods to identify the factors that significantly affect the sustainable competitive advantages enjoyed by Indian low-cost carriers (LCCs). Specifically, this study is based on the data from 208 airline experts that populate multiple structural equation models.FindingsResults indicate that indigenous efficiency, the LCCs perceptions of threat, dexterity, strategic persuasion and the LCC adopting an enabling role positively affect LCCs’ competitive advantages. These five factors were all correlated with each other. The results also show that relative to an LCC’s dexterity, indigenous efficiency is a stronger predictor of an LCC’s competitive advantages.Originality/valueThis study provides low-cost airlines with valuable information for designing effective strategies for obtaining competitive advantages in the LCC sector. To conclude the paper, the authors offer practical recommendations for managers and suggest some avenues for future research in this area.

The effect of product complexity and communication quality on IOCM and OBA in buyer– supplier relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bakil DhaifAllah ◽  
Sofiah Md-Auzair ◽  
Ruhanita Maelah ◽  
Md Daud Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Cost Management ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Communication Quality ◽  
Product Complexity ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of product complexity and communication quality on inter-organizational cost management (IOCM) and open book accounting (OBA) practices in buyer–supplier relationships in Malaysian manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was administrated to CFOs or accounting managers of Malaysian suppliers. Exploratory factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling procedures were applied to test convergent and discriminant validity of the measurement model and examine the relationships among the latent constructs in the structural model. Findings The results suggest that IOCM and OBA scales show acceptable reliability and validity. The findings also report that both product complexity and communication quality have a positive effect on IOCM and OBA in buyer–supplier relationships. However, the results suggest that IOCM does not influence OBA practice. Research limitations/implications Although IOCM and OBA constructs exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity, future research is required to refine and further validate these constructs. The data were only collected from the supplier’s perspective. Thus, future research is invited to benefit from matched data from both suppliers and buyers to generate additional insights on IOCM and OBA. Practical implications This study may assist suppliers and buyers in relationships by suggesting that complex products require the adoption of IOCM and OBA practices to reduce information asymmetries and manage costs. Furthermore, emphasizing quality of communication may enhance the implementation of these practices. Originality/value Theoretically, this study contributes to the academic stream of management accounting and cost management as it enhances an understanding of contributions introduced in prior literature on IOCM and OBA. It uses a complementary approach of transaction cost theory (TCT) and social exchange theory (SET) to explain the research model. Methodologically, the study validated scales for measuring IOCM and OBA in a new environment.

Impact of risk management culture on supply chain resilience: An empirical study from Indian manufacturing industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 234 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siva Kumar ◽  
Ramesh Anbanandam
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Disruptions ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Management Culture ◽  
Proposed Model

The frequency of supply chain disruptions is growing. The recent supply chain disruptions and their costs emphasize the need for resilient supply chains. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate interactions between critical antecedents of supply chain resilience including risk management culture, supply chain connectivity, visibility, collaboration, agility, their impact on supply chain resilience, and finally on firm performance. Using the same antecedents and literature support, an empirical model has been proposed. The proposed model has been tested using rigorous statistical analysis such as reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity tests. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling has been used to validate the proposed model and the interdependencies between the critical antecedents. An important finding of this research is that organizations, using the proposed model, can develop and improve supply chain resilience capability by establishing the risk management culture through improving the risk awareness among employees and conducting periodic risk assessment exercises. In addition, the study suggests that organizations trying to achieve supply chain resilience must develop sufficient supply chain connectivity and visibility through adopting information and communications technologies and visibility tools for quick response and recovery from supply chain disruptions. Data collected from the Indian manufacturing sector are used to validate the model. The holistic view presented by the proposed model describes the inter-relationships between critical antecedents to achieve supply chain resilience. Concluding remarks and future research avenues have been presented.

scholarly journals Reflection on success and failures: scale development and validation

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 615-626
Author(s):  
Makoto Matsuo
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strengths Use ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose Although positive psychology emphasizes the importance of reflecting on success in promoting strengths use and self-efficacy, no research has developed a measure of reflection on success. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the scales for reflection on success and failures. Design/methodology/approach Study 1 was conducted to extract the dimensions of reflection on success and failures using survey data from nurses (n = 298), whereas Study 2 involved validation of the scales using a two-wave survey of physical therapists (n = 291). Findings In Study 1, the factors of “reflection on success” and “reflection on failures” were extracted by exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, the discriminant validity of the two scales was established via confirmatory factor analyses. The structural equation modeling results indicated that reflection on success promoted work authenticity, work engagement and strengths use, while reflection on failures only promoted work engagement, indicating the convergent validity of the scales. Research limitations/implications As the research subjects were medical professionals in Japan, the scales need to be validated with samples from a wide range of occupations and cultural backgrounds, in future research. Originality/value The present research expands the literature on reflection and strengths-based approach by introducing the “success–failures” dimension based on positive psychology, broaden-and-build theory and job demands–resources theory.

Active and Passive Social Networking Sites Usage and Negative Emotions: A Reciprocal Relationship?

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-213
Author(s):  
Xin-Xue Zhang ◽  
Detlef H. Rost ◽  
Jin-Liang Wang ◽  
Katherine J Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Variable Cross ◽  
Chinese College Students ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: The increasing popularity of social networking sites (SNS) has stimulated research on the relationship between SNS usage and users' mental health. The current study aims to shed light on the possible reciprocal relationship between type of SNS usage and subsequent mental health among Chinese college students. Method: A latent variable cross-lagged panel analysis (two waves) was conducted (N = 266). Results showed that negative emotions (loneliness, depression) at Time 1 (T1) was positively related to both active SNS usage and passive SNS usage at Time 2 (T2). However, neither active nor passive SNS usage at T1 was found to be associated with negative emotions at T2. Discussion: In this current research, the key finding is that type of usage did not impact on users' mental health. Future research might investigate the role of individual and social factors (e.g., self-esteem and life satisfaction) in moderating the relationship between SNS use and mental health.

scholarly journals Modeling Associations between Chemosensation, Liking for Fats and Sweets, Dietary Behaviors and Body Mass Index in Chronic Smokers

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Larsen ◽  
Mark Litt ◽  
Tania Huedo-Medina ◽  
Valerie Duffy
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Dietary Behaviors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Taste Intensity ◽  
Food Liking ◽  
Identification Function

Chronic smokers have a greater risk for altered chemosensation, unhealthy dietary patterns, and excessive adiposity. In an observational study of chronic smokers, we modeled relationships between chemosensation, fat/carbohydrate liking, smoking-associated dietary behaviors, and body mass index (BMI). Also tested in the model was liking for sweet electronic cigarette juice (e-juice). Smokers (n = 135, 37 ± 11 years) were measured for: Taste genetics (intensity of 6-n-propylthiouracil—PROP); taste (NaCl and quinine intensities) and olfactory (odor identification) function; liking for cherry e-juice; and weight/height to calculate BMI. Smokers survey-reported their food liking and use of smoking for appetite/weight control. Structural equation models tested direct and indirect relationships between chemosensation, fat/carbohydrate liking, dietary behaviors, and BMI. In good-fitting models, taste intensity was linked to BMI variation through fat/carbohydrate liking (greater PROP intensity→greater NaCl intensity→greater food liking→higher BMI). Olfactory function tended to predict sweet e-juice liking, which, in turn, partially mediated the food liking and BMI association. The path between smoking-associated dietary behaviors and BMI was direct and independent of chemosensation or liking. These findings indicate that taste associates with BMI in chronic smokers through liking of fats/carbohydrates. Future research should determine if vaping sweet e-juice could improve diet quality and adiposity for smokers.

Authentic Leadership and Follower Development

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Woolley ◽  
Arran Caza ◽  
Lester Levy
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Authentic Leadership ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Working Adults ◽  
Representative National Sample ◽  
The Relationship

This article contributes to the theoretical understanding of the relationship between authentic leadership and follower psychological capital. Structural equation models using a representative national sample of working adults revealed a positive relationship between authentic leadership and followers’ psychological capital, partially mediated by positive work climate, and a significant moderating effect from gender. Findings support previous predictions about the effects of authentic leadership and begin to reveal the mechanisms by which authentic leaders affect followers. Moreover, they underscore the need to consider the influence of follower characteristics in understanding leadership outcomes. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Products of Variables in Structural Equation Models: Multiplicative Reticular Action Models

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Boker ◽  
Timo von Oertzen ◽  
Andreas Markus Brandmaier
Keyword(s):  
Latent Variables ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Random Coefficients ◽  
Action Model ◽  
Action Models ◽  
Special Case ◽  
General Method

A general method is introduced in which variables that are products of other variables in the context of a structural equation model (SEM) can be decomposed into the sources of variance due to the multiplicands. The result is a new category of SEM which we call a Multiplicative Reticular Action Model (XRAM). XRAM can include interactions between latent variables, multilevel random coefficients, latent variable moderators, and novel constructs such as factors of paths and twin genetic decomposition of multilevel random coefficients. The method relies on an assumption that all variance sources in a model can be decomposed into linear combinations of independent normal standardized variables. Although the distribution of a variable that is an outcome of multiplication between other variables is not normal, the assumption is that it can be decomposed into sources that are normal if one takes into account the non-normality induced by the multiplication. The method is applied to an example to show how in a special case it is equivalent to known unbiased and efficient estimators in the statistical literature. Two simulations are presented that demonstrate the precision of the approximation and implement the method to estimate parameters in a multilevel autoregressive framework.

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