Cited by 1,592Psychometric Methodologies and TestingAging and Gerontology ResearchCognitive Abilities and Testing

A practical and theoretical guide to measurement invariance in aging research

Horn, John L., Mcardle, J. J.·1992·Experimental Aging Research

Abstract

We describe mathematical and statistical models for factor invariance. We demonstrate that factor invariance is a condition of measurement invariance. In any study of change (as over age) measurement invariance is necessary for valid inference and interpretation. Two important forms of factorial invariance are distinguished: "configural" and "metric". Tests for factorial invariance and the range of tests from strong to weak are illustrated with multiple group factor and structural equation modeling analyses (with programs such as LISREL, COSAN, and RAM). The tests are for models of the organization and age changes of intellectual abilities. The models are derived from current theory of fluid (Gf) and crystallized (Gc) abilities. The models are made manifest with measurements of the WAIS-R in the standardization sample. Although this is a methodological paper, the key issues and major principles and conclusions are presented in basic English, devoid of technical details and obscure notation. Conceptual principles of multivariate methods of data analysis are presented in terms of substantive issues of importance for the science of the psychology of aging.

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Crossref · 10.1080/03610739208253916

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Authors
Horn, J. L., & Mcardle, J. J.
Affiliations
  • University of Southern California (US)
  • University of Virginia (US)
Venue
Experimental Aging Research
Published
1992-09
Volume
18
Issue
3
Pages
117-144
ISSN
  • 0361-073X (ISSN-L)
  • 1096-4657
OpenAlex
W2010699191
Cited by
1,592
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 28 · 2025: 39 · 2024: 63 · 2023: 60 · 2022: 54 · 2021: 69 · 2020: 113 · 2019: 58 · 2018: 80 · 2017: 68 · 2016: 99 · 2015: 94 · 2014: 90 · 2013: 89 · 2012: 84
FWCI
4.49
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Experimental Aging Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (5r01ag004704-02)
  • National Institute on Aging (AG04704, AG02695, AG-07137)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
Keywords
measurement invariance, configural invariance, metric invariance, aging research, intellectual ability, fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence, WAIS-R, age-related changes, structural equation modeling, standardization sample
MeSH terms
Aged, Geriatrics, Humans, Models, Theoretical, Research

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