Construct Meaning in Multilevel Settings

We present types of constructs, individual- and cluster-level, and their confirmatory factor analytic validation models when data are from individuals nested within clusters. When a construct is theoretically individual level, spurious construct-irrelevant dependency in the data may appear to signal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of educational and behavioral statistics 2016-10, Vol.41 (5), p.481-520
Main Authors: Stapleton, Laura M., Yang, Ji Seung, Hancock, Gregory R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Children
Correlation
Factor Analysis
Hierarchical Linear Modeling
Kindergarten education
Lactose intolerance
Longitudinal Studies
Modeling
Multilevel models
Multivariate Analysis
Parents
Reliability
Research methods
School violence
Social skills
Statistical variance
Surveys
Validity
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Summary:We present types of constructs, individual- and cluster-level, and their confirmatory factor analytic validation models when data are from individuals nested within clusters. When a construct is theoretically individual level, spurious construct-irrelevant dependency in the data may appear to signal cluster-level dependency; in such cases, however, and consistent with theory, a single-level analysis with a correction for dependency may be appropriate. Regarding cluster-level constructs, we discuss two types—shared and configural—and present appropriate validation models. Illustrative validation analyses with individual, shared, and configurai constructs are provided using empirical data as well as simple simulations demonstrating the spurious effects that can occur with nested data. The article concludes with future directions to be examined in construct validation in multilevel settings.
ISSN:1076-9986
1935-1054
DOI:10.3102/1076998616646200