Question 1

The specification of which variables load on which factors is a difference contrasting EFA with CFA.

Accepted Answer

The specification of which variables load on which factors is determined in advance in CFA, whereas in EFA, the factors emerge based on the covariance structure of the variables.

Question 2

TLI is an absolute fit index.

Accepted Answer

TLI (Tucker-Lewis Index) is a relative fit index, not an absolute fit index, because it compares the fit of a user-specified model to a more restricted, nested baseline model.

Question 3

Convergent validity is established when the measured items are conceptually consistent with a construct definition.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Convergent validity is established when the measured...

Question 4

A proposed structural model involves three constructs, one of which are exogenous. X1 causes Y1, which in turn causes Y2. This model is nonrecursive.

Accepted Answer

A nonrecursive model is one in which there are no feedback loops or reciprocal relationships among the variables. However, in this model, Y2 is an effect of both Y1 and the exogenous variable X1, creating a feedback loop and making the model recursive.

Question 5

A sample size of 1000 is used to test a structural model of advertising effectiveness for the
Coca- Cola company. The results show that a significant relationship exists between advertising effectiveness and sales. The estimated value of the standardized path estimate is .035. The
Coca- Cola management dismisses the finding because the relationship is trivial.

Accepted Answer

The statement "the relationship is trivial" is subjective and cannot be used to dismiss a statistically significant finding. Therefore, the Coca-Cola management's dismissal is false.

Question 6

Dependence relationships are represented with one- headed straight arrows in a path model.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. One-headed straight arrows indicate a dependence relationship in a path model.

Question 7

In moving from the measurement model to the structural model the error terms are correlated with each other.

Accepted Answer

In the structural model, error terms (residuals) are ideally assumed to be uncorrelated with each other, as the model aims to explain the relationships between variables as accurately as possible. Correlated errors would suggest a misspecification in the model.

Question 8

An exogenous construct is represented in an structural path model as a an oval with no one- headed arrows going into it.

Accepted Answer

An exogenous construct is a variable that is not affected by any other variables in the model, and thus has no incoming arrows. It is typically represented by an oval shape in a structural path model.

Question 9

In moving from the measurement model to the structural model, the emphasis shifts from the relationships between latent constructs and measured variables to the nature and magnitude of the relationships between constructs.

Accepted Answer

This is because the structural model focuses on the relationships between latent constructs themselves, rather than just their relationships with observed variables.

Question 10

SEM models are estimated so as to minimize the sum of squares between constructs.

Accepted Answer

SEM models are estimated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), which aims to maximize the likelihood of obtaining the observed data under the hypothesized model. It does not involve minimizing the sum of squares between constructs.

Question 11

Generally, we use SEM to find a suitable model.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Generally, we use SEM to find a...

Question 12

SEM can be thought of as a combination of Discriminant analysis and cluster analysis.

Accepted Answer

SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) is a statistical technique used for testing and validating theories and models. It is not a combination of discriminant analysis and cluster analysis. However, SEM can incorporate those techniques as part of its analysis if needed.

Question 13

TFI is a fit measure used in SEM.

Accepted Answer

The answer of TFI is a fit measure used in...

Question 14

A 0.07 value for RMSEA is considered conservative.

Accepted Answer

A value of RMSEA of 0.07 or less is generally considered conservative or good fit.

Question 15

A 0.90 value for RMSEA is considered conservative.

Accepted Answer

A value of 0.90 is actually considered high for the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), which measures the fit between a model and its data. A conservative value for RMSEA would be closer to 0.05 or 0.06.

Question 16

In moving from the measurement model to the structural model, the endogenous constructs become exogenous.

Accepted Answer

In moving from the measurement model to the structural model, the exogenous constructs become endogenous while the endogenous constructs remain endogenous.

Question 17

An exogenous construct is represented in an structural path model as a box with one- headed arrows going into it.

Accepted Answer

An exogenous construct is represented as a box with no arrows going into it, not one-headed arrows. One-headed arrows going into a box represent the exogenous variable's influence on other variables in the model.

Question 18

GFI of .95 or higher is a way to help make sure that the model is identified.

Accepted Answer

GFI (Goodness-of-Fit Index) is a measure of how well a model fits the data, not an indicator of model identification. Model identification refers to the model's ability to produce a unique solution, which is determined by the model's structure and the data, not by fit indices like GFI.

Question 19

SEM analysis is based on raw data, rather than a correlation or covariance.

Accepted Answer

SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis typically relies on the covariance matrix of the observed variables rather than raw data. This approach allows for the examination of relationships between latent constructs that are inferred from the observed variables.

Question 20

RMSEA is an incremental fit index.

Accepted Answer

RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) is an absolute fit index, not an incremental fit index. It measures the discrepancy per degree of freedom between the hypothesized model and the observed data.

Quiz 22: Structural Equation Modeling