Age-based construct validation using structural equation modeling.

In this paper we describe some mathematical and statistical models based on structural equation modeling (SEM) using computer programs like LISREL. We focus on SEM methodology for the simultaneous examination of the internal validity of psychological constructs and the external validity represented by age relations. To illustrate these ideas we use a latent variable path model to examine the organization of intellectual abilities measured by the WAIS-R in the standardization sample. We also examine different ways in which age can be used to structure this organization. This is primarily a methodological paper, but we try to integrate conceptual principles of modeling with some substantive issues of research on the psychology of aging.

[1]  A. Silverstein,et al.  A Literature Review of Factor Analytic Studies of the WAIS-R. , 1986 .

[2]  D. Wechsler.  Manual for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. , 1955 .

[3]  C. Spearman.  General intelligence Objectively Determined and Measured , 1904 .

[4]  D. A. Kenny,et al.  Correlation and Causation , 1937, Wilmott.

[5]  S. Wright.  On "Path analysis in genetic epidemiology: a critique". , 1983, American journal of human genetics.

[6]  S. Whitely.  Construct validity: Construct representation versus nomothetic span. , 1983 .

[7]  W. Bielby.  Arbitrary Metrics in Multiple-Indicator Models of Latent Variables , 1986 .

[8]  J. Mcardle.  Dynamic but Structural Equation Modeling of Repeated Measures Data , 1988 .

[9]  A mathematical model of the physiological dynamics of aging and correlated mortality selection. I. Theoretical development and critiques. , 1983, Journal of gerontology.

[10]  R. Cattell,et al.  Refinement and test of the theory of fluid and crystallized general intelligences. , 1966, Journal of educational psychology.

[11]  Roderick P. McDonald,et al.  Factor Analysis and Related Methods , 1985 .

[12]  Harold P. Bechtoldt,et al.  Construct validity: A Critique. , 1959 .

[13]  William Meredith,et al.  Rotation to achieve factorial invariance , 1964 .

[14]  J. Mcardle,et al.  Patterns of Change within Latent Variable Structural Equation Models , 1990 .

[15]  J. Jack McArdle,et al.  Causal modeling applied to psychonomic systems simulation , 1980 .

[16]  P. Allison.  Estimation of Linear Models with Incomplete Data , 1987 .

[17]  Karl G. Jöreskog,et al.  FACTORIAL INVARIANCE OF ABILITY MEASURES IN GROUPS DIFFERING IN INTELLIGENCE AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS , 1971 .

[18]  C. Hertzog,et al.  Fourteen-year cohort-sequential analyses of adult intellectual development. , 1983 .

[19]  Jay Magidson,et al.  Advances in factor analysis and structural equation models , 1979 .

[20]  M. Browne,et al.  Cross-Validation Of Covariance Structures. , 1983, Multivariate behavioral research.

[21]  J. Matarazzo,et al.  Relationship of Education and IQ in the WAIS-R Standardization Sample. , 1984 .

[22]  N. Draper,et al.  Applied Regression Analysis , 1966 .

[23]  K. Maccorquodale,et al.  On a distinction between hypothetical constructs and intervening variables. , 1948, Psychological review.

[24]  M. Cheal.  The gerbil: a unique model for research on aging. , 1986, Experimental aging research.

[25]  Raymond B. Cattell,et al.  Handbook of multivariate experimental psychology , 1968 .

[26]  C. Schriesheim.  Causal Analysis: Assumptions, Models, and Data , 1982 .

[27]  William Meredith,et al.  Notes on factorial invariance , 1964 .

[28]  William T. Bielby,et al.  STATISTICAL POWER IN COVARIANCE STRUCTURE MODELS , 1986 .

[29]  R. D. Bock,et al.  Multivariate Statistical Methods in Behavioral Research , 1978 .

[30]  J. Gustafsson.  A unifying model for the structure of intellectual abilities , 1984 .

[31]  J J McArdle,et al.  Latent growth curves within developmental structural equation models. , 1987, Child development.

[32]  C. Fornell,et al.  Canonical Correlation Analysis As A Special Case Of A Structural Relations Model. , 1981, Multivariate behavioral research.

[33]  R. Cattell,et al.  Whimsy and misunderstanding of gf–gc theory: A comment on Guilford. , 1982 .

[34]  L. Cronbach,et al.  Construct validity in psychological tests. , 1955, Psychological bulletin.

[35]  C. Hertzog,et al.  Stability and change in adult intelligence: 2. Simultaneous analysis of longitudinal means and covariance structures. , 1988, Psychology and aging.

[36]  H. F. Gollob,et al.  Taking account of time lags in causal models. , 1987, Child development.

[37]  B. Brody.  Readings in the philosophy of science , 1970 .

[38]  K. O’grady.  A confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analysis of the WAIS-R. , 1983 .

[39]  Raymond B. Cattell,et al.  Validity and reliability: A proposed more basic set of concepts. , 1964 .

[40]  R. P. McDonald,et al.  Some algebraic properties of the Reticular Action Model for moment structures. , 1984, The British journal of mathematical and statistical psychology.

[41]  Duane F. Alwin,et al.  Structural equation models in research on human development and aging. , 1988 .

[42]  W. R. Cunningham,et al.  Principles for identifying structural differences. Some methodological issues related to comparative factor analysis. , 1978, Journal of Gerontology.

[43]  John R. Nesselroade,et al.  Beyond autoregressive models: some implications of the trait-state distinction for the structural modeling of developmental change. , 1987, Child development.

[44]  C. Hertzog.  Applications of Structural Equation Models in Gerontological Research , 1987, Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

[45]  M. Sobel,et al.  Platonic and Operational True Scores in Covariance Structure Analysis , 1986 .

[46]  J. S. Tanaka,et al.  A fit index for covariance structure models under arbitrary GLS estimation , 1985 .

[47]  J. Birren,et al.  Analysis of the WAIS subtests in relation to age and education. , 1961, Journal of gerontology.

[48]  Wesley C. Salmon,et al.  Statistical explanation & statistical relevance , 1971 .

[49]  C Loehlin John,et al.  Latent variable models: an introduction to factor, path, and structural analysis , 1986 .

[50]  Richard T. Campbell,et al.  Analyzing Panel Data in Studies of Aging , 1982 .

[51]  J J McArdle.  On the Madness in His Method: R. B. Cattell's Contributions to Structural Equation Modeling. , 1984, Multivariate behavioral research.

[52]  S. Mulaik.  Toward a Conception of Causality Applicable to Experimentation and Causal Modeling. , 1987 .

[53]  R. Cattell,et al.  Age differences in primary mental ability factors. , 1966, Journal of gerontology.

[54]  Samuel Messick,et al.  Constructs and their vicissitudes in educational and psychological measurement. , 1981 .