Using Modification Indices PreviousNext
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 James posted on Friday, July 05, 2013 - 2:18 pm
Hello,

I am new to SEM/Mplus, so please forgive my naivete if it comes across as such. I have a question about using Modification Indices (MIs). I am using a data set (N=~2000) with 60 items (Likert, 0-4) that purportedly assess five personality factors (very famous model). Initially, I ran a traditional CFA using MLR as my estimator, and as recent research has found, these 5 factors do not hold up well.

I subsequently ran an ESEM (see syntax below), which yielded better, but still poor fit. Thus, I am at a stage where I am not sure how to improve the model fit, and am unsure how the provided MIs may help my fit.

While I have read in the M-Plus manual, forums, etc., how to utilize these MIs in a syntax form, I am curious if you have suggested readings about the qualitative meaning of incorporating these modifications into my syntax? Similarly, I would be grateful if you could recommend procedures, readings, etc. for when one does not achieve adequate model fit when others have previously done so with different data.

Sorry for the long winded explanation, and thank you for your time.


MODEL:
f1-f5 BY ffm1-ffm60 (*1);

ANALYSIS:
ESTIMATOR = MLR;
ROTATION = GEOMIN;

OUTPUT: MODINDICES;
 Linda K. Muthen posted on Saturday, July 06, 2013 - 6:35 am
I would start with a regular EFA of these items to see how many factors may be represented by your data. I don't think using modification indices is a good idea in your case.
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