Understanding the limitations of global fit assessment in structural equation modeling

Abstract Barrett’s (2007) article on “adjudging model fit” raises some important issues concerning the use of global fit indices to justify weak structural equation models, and recommends prohibition of future use of such indices. In this commentary, I critique Barrett’s presentation, and show that his recommendations are (a) unnecessarily regressive, and (b) likely to be ignored. Then I suggest a constructive alternative in line with the spirit of his concerns.

[1]  N Cliff,et al.  Some Cautions Concerning The Application Of Causal Modeling Methods. , 1983, Multivariate behavioral research.

[2]  P. Bentler,et al.  Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis : Conventional criteria versus new alternatives , 1999 .

[3]  R. MacCallum,et al.  Power analysis and determination of sample size for covariance structure modeling. , 1996 .

[4]  L. Harlow,et al.  What if there were no significance tests , 1997 .

[5]  K. Holzinger,et al.  A study in factor analysis : the stability of a bi-factor solution , 1939 .

[6]  Michael Smithson,et al.  Correct Confidence Intervals for Various Regression Effect Sizes and Parameters: The Importance of Noncentral Distributions in Computing Intervals , 2001 .

[7]  P. Barrett.  Structural equation modelling : Adjudging model fit , 2007 .

[8]  J. H. Steiger.  Statistically based tests for the number of common factors , 1980 .

[9]  W. Westlake,et al.  Symmetrical confidence intervals for bioequivalence trials. , 1976, Biometrics.

[10]  J. H. Steiger,et al.  Beyond the F test: Effect size confidence intervals and tests of close fit in the analysis of variance and contrast analysis. , 2004, Psychological methods.

[11]  Ronald C. Serlin,et al.  Rational appraisal of psychological research and the good-enough principle. , 1993 .

[12]  K. Jöreskog.  Structural analysis of covariance and correlation matrices , 1978 .

[13]  L. Tucker,et al.  A reliability coefficient for maximum likelihood factor analysis , 1973 .

[14]  Gideon Keren,et al.  A Handbook for data analysis in the behavioral sciences : methodological issues , 1993 .

[15]  P. Lazarsfeld,et al.  Mathematical Thinking in the Social Sciences. , 1955 .

[16]  James H. Steiger,et al.  Point Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, and Interval Estimation Using the RMSEA: Some Comments and a Reply to Hayduk and Glaser , 2000 .

[17]  Kit-Tai Hau,et al.  Goodness of fit in structural equation models , 2005 .