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ERIC Number: EJ1012535
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 32
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1070-5511
EISSN: N/A
Bayesian Inference and Application of Robust Growth Curve Models Using Student's "t" Distribution
Zhang, Zhiyong; Lai, Keke; Lu, Zhenqiu; Tong, Xin
Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v20 n1 p47-78 2013
Despite the widespread popularity of growth curve analysis, few studies have investigated robust growth curve models. In this article, the "t" distribution is applied to model heavy-tailed data and contaminated normal data with outliers for growth curve analysis. The derived robust growth curve models are estimated through Bayesian methods utilizing data augmentation and Gibbs sampling algorithms. The analysis of mathematical development data shows that the robust latent basis growth curve model better describes the mathematical growth trajectory than the corresponding normal growth curve model and can reveal the individual differences in mathematical development. Simulation studies further confirm that the robust growth curve models significantly outperform the normal growth curve models for both heavy-tailed "t" data and normal data with outliers but lose only slight efficiency for normal data. It appears convincing to replace the normal distribution with the "t" distribution for growth curve analysis. Three information criteria are evaluated for model selection. Online software is also provided for conducting robust analysis discussed in this study. (Contains 11 tables, 2 figures, and 3 footnotes.)
Psychology Press. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Middle Schools; Junior High Schools; High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: National Longitudinal Survey of Youth; Peabody Individual Achievement Test
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A