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Cited by 6,552Psychometric Methodologies and TestingStatistical Methods and Bayesian InferenceMental Health Research Topics

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 32 of the 33 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

To Parcel or Not to Parcel: Exploring the Question, Weighing the Merits

Little, Todd D., Cunningham, William A., Shahar, Golan, Widaman, Keith F.·2002·Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal
DOI 10.1207/s15328007sem0902_1
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Abstract

We examine the controversial practice of using parcels of items as manifest variables in structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures. After detailing arguments pro and con, we conclude that the unconsidered use of parcels is never warranted, while, at the same time, the considered use of parcels cannot be dismissed out of hand. In large part, the decision to parcel or not depends on one's philosophical stance regarding scientific inquiry (e.g., empiricist vs. pragmatist) and the substantive goal of a study (e.g., to understand the structure of a set of items or to examine the nature of a set of constructs). Prior to creating parcels, however, we recommend strongly that investigators acquire a thorough understanding of the nature and dimensionality of the items to be parceled. With this knowledge in hand, various techniques for creating parcels can be utilized to minimize potential pitfalls and to optimize the measurement structure of constructs in SEM procedures. A number of parceling techniques are described, noting their strengths and weaknesses.

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Crossref · 10.1207/s15328007sem0902_1

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Citations

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Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Gorsuch, R. L. (1983). Factor analysis (2nd ed.). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
  2. 10.1037//0021-9010.73.1.107 · DOI
  3. 10.1037//0022-3514.71.3.549 · DOI

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Metadata

Authors
Little, T. D., Cunningham, W. A., Shahar, G., & Widaman, K. F.
Affiliations
  • Yale University (US)
  • University of California, Davis (US)
ORCID
Venue
Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2002-04
Volume
9
Issue
2
Pages
151-173
ISSN
  • 1070-5511 (ISSN-L)
  • 1532-8007
DOI
10.1207/s15328007sem0902_1
OpenAlex
W2006763260
Cited by
6,552
References
33
Citations by year
2026: 467 · 2025: 345 · 2024: 328 · 2023: 358 · 2022: 431 · 2021: 423 · 2020: 426 · 2019: 432 · 2018: 372 · 2017: 367 · 2016: 380 · 2015: 343 · 2014: 345 · 2013: 303 · 2012: 304
FWCI
51.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Structural Equation Modeling A Multidisciplinary Journal (publishedVersion)
Funders
Yale University
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
parceling, manifest variables, measurement structure, construct measurement, dimensionality, measurement invariance

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