I would like to estimate factor mixture models for x-sectional data in which factor loadings are free to vary across classes, so that the number of classes is determined by population heterogeneity in the factor loadings. I have two questions about this; 1. is it technically possible? 2. would this be feasible as a means of assessing measurement invariance (i.e. if optimal number of classes = 1, there is no variability in loadings)? thanks,
In my experience, what varies most across classes in factor mixture models are the indicator intercepts (just like in LCA/LPA). Such a model will most likely have a much better BIC than a model with only class-varying loadings. Even a model with class-varying factor means and class-invariant intercepts is likely to have a better BIC, but far less good that the class-varying intercept model. So unless the intercepts are handled well, testing loading invariance gets drowned out by stronger signals in the data.
Dear Bengt, many thanks for that. I had wondered whether the factor mixture model approach might be a way of assessing measurement invariance in a cross-national survey that could incorporate differences in sample composition across countries. the standard MGA approach assumes that if loadings/intercepts are not equal across countries, this is due to differences in the meaning of the questions. but it seems reasonable that it could also be due to differences in population characteristics (e.g. more educated people in one country than another). in a FMM context one could include these type sof variables and country dummies as covariates on the latent class variable. that is, it would be a way of testing for country differences controlling for observed sources of cross-national heterogeneity. might this work if the baseline model has class-varying intercepts? best wishes,
I'm running a factor mixture analysis with 12 categorical indicators (3 response options) and 1 factor. From previous analysis with similar data I've been able to ascertain that the people in one of the latent classes hardly ever choose a certain response option. The problem I seem to have now is that some items have zero frequency (instead of a low frequency) for certain categories and I think this may be causing the estimation to have problems (such as running slower and not converging). Collapsing categories wouldn't make sense since this is an important difference between the groups that would be lost if that were done.
What can I do to get around this problem? Thanks for your help,
I have a few questions on the Mplus output of factor mixture model. (1)How can I see the posterior probabilities of cluster membership, as well as cluster assignment of individual (which cluster dose each individual belong to) ? (2)Dose the value ¡° F4 BY D1¡± means the factor load? Sometimes I found that this kind of value exceeds 1, is it possible? (3)If I would like to tested whether the parameter difference between class is statistically significant, what kind of command should I use? Or should I conduct some extra statistics?