Article

Unit-weighted scales imply models that should be tested!

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Abstract

In several studies unit-weighted sum scales based on the unweighted sum of items are derived from the pattern of salient loadings in confirmatory factor analysis. The problem of this procedure is that the unit-weighted sum scales imply a model other than the initially tested confirmatory factor model. In consequence, it remains generally unknown how well the model implied by the unit-weighted sum scales fits the data. Nevertheless, the derived unit-weighted sum scales are often used in applied settings. The paper demonstrates how model parameters for the unit-weighted sum scales can be computed and tested by means of structural equation modeling. An empirical example based on a personality questionnaire and subsequent unit-weighted scale analyses are presented in order to demonstrate the procedure. Accessed 6,132 times on https://pareonline.net from February 18, 2013 to December 31, 2019. For downloads from January 1, 2020 forward, please click on the PlumX Metrics link to the right.

Keywords: Research Methodology, Statistical Analysis

How to Cite:

Beauducel, A. & Leue, A., (2013) “Unit-weighted scales imply models that should be tested!”, Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation 18(1): 1. doi: https://doi.org/10.7275/y3cg-xv71