Examining Parallelism of Sets of Psychometric Measures Using Latent Variable Modeling

Abstract

A latent variable modeling approach that can be used to examine whether several psychometric tests are parallel is discussed. The method consists of sequentially testing the properties of parallel measures via a corresponding relaxation of parameter constraints in a saturated model or an appropriately constructed latent variable model. The underlying procedure is readily used in cases with at least three single measures studied for parallelism and is directly extended to the setting of multiple-component measuring instruments. The methodological limitations concerning intended attempts to test if two given measures are parallel are also explicated. The proposed modeling approach is illustrated with an example.