Using parcels to convert path analysis models into latent variable models

Coffman, Donna L.; MacCallum, Robert C.

doi:10.1207/s15327906mbr4002_4

Cited by 662Psychometric Methodologies and TestingStatistical Methods and Bayesian InferenceMental Health Research Topics

Using parcels to convert path analysis models into latent variable models

Coffman, Donna L., MacCallum, Robert C.·2005·Multivariate Behavioral Research

DOI 10.1207/s15327906mbr4002_4

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Abstract

The biasing effects of measurement error in path analysis models can be overcome by the use of latent variable models. In cases where path analysis is used in practice, it is often possible to use parcels as indicators of a latent variable. The purpose of the current study was to compare latent variable models in which parcels were used as indicators of the latent variables, path analysis models of the aggregated variables, and models in which reliability estimates were used to correct for measurement error in path analysis models. Results showed that point estimates of path coefficients were smallest for the path analysis models and largest for the latent variable models. It is concluded that, whenever possible, it is better to use a latent variable model in which parcels are used as indicators than a path analysis model using total scale scores.

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Authors: Coffman, D. L., & MacCallum, R. C.
Affiliations: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (US)
ORCID: Coffman, Donna L.
Venue: Multivariate Behavioral Research
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2005-04
Volume: 40
Issue: 2
Pages: 235-259
ISSN: 0027-3171 (ISSN-L)
1532-7906
DOI: 10.1207/s15327906mbr4002_4
OpenAlex: W2065353896
Cited by: 662
References: 57
Citations by year: 2026: 23 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 47 · 2021: 30 · 2020: 39 · 2019: 36 · 2018: 46 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 41 · 2015: 52 · 2014: 40 · 2013: 54 · 2012: 38
FWCI: 12.71
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Multivariate Behavioral Research (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Statistics and Probability › Statistical Methods and Bayesian Inference
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Mental Health Research Topics
Keywords: path analysis, latent variable models, measurement error, measurement bias, scale scores, structural equation modeling

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Using parcels to convert path analysis models into latent variable models

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