ERIC Number: EJ1136389
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Apr
Pages: 41
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1696-2095
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Handling Missing Data in Structural Equation Models in R: A Replication Study for Applied Researchers
Wolgast, Anett; Schwinger, Malte; Hahnel, Carolin; Stiensmeier-Pelster, Joachim
Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology, v15 n1 p5-47 Apr 2017
Introduction: Multiple imputation (MI) is one of the most highly recommended methods for replacing missing values in research data. The scope of this paper is to demonstrate missing data handling in SEM by analyzing two modified data examples from educational psychology, and to give practical recommendations for applied researchers. Method: We provide two examples (N = 589 and N = 621, respectively) based on previous studies of students' self-concepts, mastery goals and performance avoidance goals, and a 7- step tutorial. Then, we produced 20% and 40% missing data under three missing mechanisms by these complete, genuine data sets. The resulting datasets were then analyzed by (1) listwise deletion and structural equation models (SEM), (2) full information maximum likelihood (FIML) with SEM, and (3) MI combined with SEM and pooling. Thus, the results stem from 2 × 3 × 3 conditions. Results: Previous research was replicated by illustrating a practical way to combine MI with SEM and pooling. The assumed factor structure was depicted in both examples with multiply imputed values applied. Discussion: We suggest adding variables to clarify the missing data mechanism, especially for dependent variables as motivation. Such variables might indicate whether missing values in dependent variables are correlated with independent variables (e.g., interest) or the dependent variable itself (e.g. lack of motivation independently of interest).
Descriptors: Structural Equation Models, Replication (Evaluation), Educational Psychology, Self Concept, Maximum Likelihood Statistics, Motivation, Factor Structure, Goal Orientation, College Students, Secondary School Students, Questionnaires, Factor Analysis, Foreign Countries
University of Almeria, Education & Psychology I+D+i. Faculty of Psychology Department of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, 04120 LaCanada de San Urbano, Almeria, Spain. Tel: +34-950-015354; Fax: +34-950-015083; Web site: http://www.investigacion-psicopedagogica.org/revista/new/english/presentacion.php
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Germany
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A