An Introduction to Latent Variable Growth Curve Modeling

This work is designed as a resource for researchers interested in using structural equation methodology to depict various processes of change, and for educators in their training of advanced degree students in repeated measures methodologies.

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This volume presents Latent Variable Growth Curve Modeling for analyzing repeated measures. It is likely that most readers have already mastered many of LGM's underpinnings, in as much as repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) models are special cases of LGMs that focus only on the factor means. In contrast, a fully expanded latent growth curve analysis takes into account both factor means and variances. LGMs are also variants of the standard linear structural model. In addition to using regression coefficients and variances and covariances of the independent variables, they incorporate a mean structure into the model. The book features two major themes--concepts and issues, and applications--and is designed to take advantage of the reader's familiarity with ANOVA and standard procedures in introducing LGM techniques and presenting practical examples.