scholarly journals Application of fit indices in testing the theoretical models in psychology: Possibilities and limitations

2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Lazarevic

This paper deals with the fit indices used in Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for testing theoretical models and the difficulties that can occur during the testing of theoretical models in different fields of psychology. The paper discusses the basic assumptions of SEM and presents the indices used for assessing the fit of theoretical models. This paper also presents the procedures for calculating the basic statistic for assessing the fit of models (?2), as well as for calculating the most commonly used fit indices, in order to gain a better insight into the advantages and potential difficulties that can occur during their usage. We mention the difficulties regarding the assessment of fit of the model based on ?2 and the discussed fit indices stemming from the sample size, data distribution and assessment methods, wrong specification of model and disturbance of normality and independence of latent variables, as well as the ways in which these difficulties can be overcome. This paper provides a proposal for the approach to presenting the fit indices in reports on studies where theoretical models were tested via SEM.

Author(s):  
Ho Yin Wong ◽  
Anthony Perrone

The aim of this study is to undertake empirical research investigating the nature and magnitude of the determinants of word-of-mouth behaviour from the point of view of service performance and post-purchase perceptions. A quantitative study was undertaken. A theoretical model linking service quality issues and word-of-mouth behaviour was developed and tested using structural equation modelling of 280 surveyed participants at various day spa locations. All major fit indices from structural equation modelling methods show satisfactory results for the measurement and structural models. The results confirm significant relationships between the constructs in the model. While the quality of the product, customer service, and servicescape atmosphere lead to customer satisfaction, it is servicescape atmosphere and customer satisfaction that drive word-of-mouth behaviour. The results of this study provide insights to aid service providers and marketing professionals in the service industry in fully understanding that the enhancement of the delivery of high quality service, an accommodating environment, and instilling feelings of satisfaction with their customers will more likely lead to positive word-of-mouth referrals. One major limitation is that the survey was conducted within one industry in one country. The major value of this chapter is the establishment of the role of service quality on word-of-mouth behaviour. This research provides empirical results of the impacts of service performance and post-purchase perceptions on word-of-mouth behaviour.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (5(J)) ◽  
pp. 222-239
Author(s):  
Bokang Ncube ◽  
Ntebogang Dinah Moroke

The purpose of the study is to investigate the structural relationships among constructs of the statistics attitudes-outcomes model (SA-OM) using exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) methodology. The sample consists of 583 first-year undergraduate students enrolled for statistics courses at the university in South Africa. ESEM reveal that all but two of the nine constructs have well to excellent reliability. To enhance the model, we deleted the eight variables. All other indicators have a significant loading into a construct. Congruency of the SA-OM and expectancy value model (EVM) is noted. The SRMR for all modified models are less than 0.10 suggesting that all these models have acceptable fit. Moreover, all the modified models have RMSE values within the ranges of adequate fit. On the contrary, all the models have unacceptable fit according to PCF, CFI, AGFI and PGFI statistics, i.e. according to all parsimony fit indices except the RMSE. The results also reveal that all incremental fit indices but the BBNFI approve the modified models as acceptable since most of these indices are almost equal to a cut-off point of 0.9. However, BBNNI disapprove the ML3 and ML5 models as being acceptable. A host of inconsistencies in fit indices are noted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-39
Author(s):  
Ayomide Olawale Akintimehin ◽  
Sunday Ayoola Oke

Abstract Automobile repair service hazards are risk factors for multiple severe accidents, and scientific proof reveals a relationship between repair activity hazards and accidents in the auto-mechanic workshop. In this research, the investigators approximated the impact of risk factors for automobile repair activities, using novel parameters, for severity of hazards and influences on subjects, and based on literature. Next, insights into the relationship between latent variables which are appraised by manifest variables using the structural equation modelling were pursued. The respondents answered questionnaires on probability of hazard occurrence, severity and some identified measured variables. The authors appraised 44 out of the 80 and 98 out of 99 distributed questionnaires for the first and second modules, respectively. The risk levels ranged between low and medium for the medium scale establishment due to the nature of work done in the automobile repair centre which exposes the workers to the level of risk. For the second module involving the use of structural equation modelling, the factor loading was the least for safety behaviours (0.06) and highest for machine efficiency (0.90). Of the fifteen hypotheses formulated six were accepted. It is concluded that the safety behaviour of workers depends safety on the workers in the firm irrespective of other factors such as management commitment to safety, environmental contributions and safety, communications. Understanding the impact of risk factors for automobile repair activities in workers is necessary in elevating awareness absent these parameters and to eliminate accidents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Marta Mas-Machuca ◽  
◽  
Frederic Marimon

The objective of this paper is to analyse the process of the definition and deployment of a company’s mission, to obtain a better understanding of the employees’ role. On the basis of the literature investigating the dimensions of the internalization of a mission (leadership, importance, knowledge, co-workers’ engagement and implication), the paper proposes a model that shows the cause and effect relationships among these dimensions. A survey addressed to Spaniards was launched, and 400 valid responses were received. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for an initial model that shows the causal relations among the dimensions for the internalization of a mission. An array of Lagrange multiplier tests suggested modifications for refining the model and proposed one with acceptable fit indices, where the last dimension to be accomplished is “Implication”. The findings show a direct effect between “Leadership” and “Implication”, and double mediation. On the one hand, there is second order mediation through “Knowledge” and “Importance”. On the other hand, there is mediation through “Co-workers’ engagement”. This sequencing among the five dimensions of the internalization of the mission gives new clues and evidence for managers that will help them to define and implement a successful mission statement.


Author(s):  
Rick H. Hoyle

This chapter discusses applications of structural equation modelling (SEM, or causal modelling) in clinical and health psychology research. It outlines path diagrams, measurement models, structural models, the inclusion of latent variables, validity (factorial and construct), and measurement invariance. Structural hypotheses are also explored, along with caveats for the use of SEM.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2and3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Mishra ◽  
S. M. Khan ◽  
P. C. Mishra

In this article, a search for antecedents latent variables of organizational commitment from organizational health, occupational role stress, and social support for Indian Nationalized Bank Managers was made. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to assess the fit of the model that identified autonomy, cohesiveness, goal focus, role overload, and responsibility for the person as statistically significant antecedents of organizational commitment. Our models provided a good fit. Direct and indirect effects of exogenous variables on endogenous variables estimated and resultant percent of variance accounted into organizational commitment reported.


Metamorphosis ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 097262252110662
Author(s):  
Tapish Panwar ◽  
Kalim Khan

The research aims to deconstruct trust in beauty service into underlying latent variables with observable predictors. It further analyses the influence of these latent variables on the service recommendation behaviour of customers for beauty service. Factor reduction using EFA and structural equation modelling using CFA with AMOS 18 was applied on two samples of 214 and 225 respondents. The two latent constructs strongly representing trust were identified as “trust due to customer education” and “trust due to safety and hygiene.” These factors were found to play a significant role in service recommendation when it comes to beauty service.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian G. Van der Hoven ◽  
Bright Mahembe ◽  
Desiree Hamman-Fisher

Orientation: The exhibition of organisation citizenship behaviour (OCB) by teachers is of great benefit for human capital development. Teachers’ perceptions of school principals as servant leaders play a critical role in their psychological empowerment and exhibition of OCBs.Research purpose: The goal of the study was to analyse the relationship between servant leadership, psychological empowerment and OCB of teachers in the South African school system.Motivation for the study: Teachers are usually under pressure to attend to the academic needs of the learners, which may be required either during normal working hours or after hours. This has necessitated the need to investigate the role played by a school principal’s servant leadership style in influencing the exhibition of OCBs.Research approach/design and method: A non-probability sample of 203 teachers drawn from selected schools in the Western Cape Province of South Africa was utilised. Item and dimensional analysis as well as structural equation modelling were performed on the data.Main findings: The constructs of servant leadership, psychological empowerment and OCB displayed high levels of internal consistency. Generally, a reasonable model fit was found for the structural and measurement models of the latent variables through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Positive relationships were found between servant leadership, psychological empowerment and OCB.Practical/managerial implications: A principal’s servant leadership approach is likely to promote teacher empowerment and development as it enables the principal to develop teachers to their fullest potential through mentoring and coaching. The teachers are likely to respond with OCB, which benefits the learners and society at large.Contribution/value-add: Schools face the challenge of motivating teachers. One of the ways of achieving this objective is by encouraging servant leadership amongst principals. Servant leadership promotes positive outcomes and extra-role behaviours.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Pamoukdjian ◽  
Marie Laurent ◽  
Claudia Martinez-Tapia ◽  
Yves Rolland ◽  
Elena Paillaud ◽  
...  

Background: to distinguish direct and indirect pathways to frailty phenotype, and quantify associations between two frailty components (i.e., sarcopenia and cachexia) regarding mortality and morbidity in older adults with cancer. Methods: all consecutive older outpatients with cancer were included in a prospective two-centre cohort study between 2013 and 2017 and had geriatric assessment. We used the frailty phenotype. Sarcopenia and cachexia were built as latent variables by including observed variables related to physical performances and related to nutrition and inflammation respectively. Structural equation modelling was used to distinguish between direct and indirect effects of the frailty parameters on the risk of death (Model 1) and the risk of morbidity (defined by unplanned hospitalization and/or disability and/or a fall; Model 2). The root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and the comparative fit index (CFI) were used to assess the model fit. Results: 603 older outpatients were included (mean age: 81.2 ± 6.1; women: 54%; frailty phenotype: 58%). The 6-month mortality and morbidity rates were 18% and 64%, respectively. The fit was good for both models (RMSEA and CFI = 0.029 [0.017–0.039] and 0.99 for Model 1, and 0.028 [0.017–0.039] and 0.99 for Model 2, respectively). Sarcopenia and cachexia were both directly and significantly associated with 6-month mortality (βsarcopenia = 0.18, p = 0.01; βcachexia = 0.52, p < 0.0001) and morbidity (βsarcopenia = 0.37, p < 0.0001; βcachexia = 0.19, p < 0.02). Conclusions: sarcopenia and cachexia had a direct pathway with 6-month mortality and morbidity in older cancer patients.


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