Basic assumptions, core connotations, and path methods of model modification—using confirmatory factor analysis as an example
Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a widely used statistical method in social science. However, many published articles employing SEM appear to contradict its underlying principles and assumptions, which undermines the scientific rigor of the research. Model modifications should be data-driven an...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Education |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1506415/full |
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| author | Zhangbo Xiong Huixian Xia Jianjun Ni Hongzhen Hu |
| author_facet | Zhangbo Xiong Huixian Xia Jianjun Ni Hongzhen Hu |
| author_sort | Zhangbo Xiong |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a widely used statistical method in social science. However, many published articles employing SEM appear to contradict its underlying principles and assumptions, which undermines the scientific rigor of the research. Model modifications should be data-driven and clearly justified, rather than arbitrarily changing the relationships between variables. Removing measurement indicators can significantly reduce discrepancies between the sample data and the model. This approach is often considered optimal for model modification. Except for certain specific models, error correlations should only be established based on theoretical support to improve the model’s goodness-of-fit. Finally, any modifications to the model should undergo cross-validation to ensure its applicability to other sample datasets. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-adb8ddc7275547078e6b4e682934f480 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2504-284X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-adb8ddc7275547078e6b4e682934f4802025-02-12T07:26:19ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-02-011010.3389/feduc.2025.15064151506415Basic assumptions, core connotations, and path methods of model modification—using confirmatory factor analysis as an exampleZhangbo Xiong0Huixian Xia1Jianjun Ni2Hongzhen Hu3School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, ChinaSchool of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, ChinaDepartment of Teacher Work, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, ChinaSchool of Teacher Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, ChinaStructural equation modeling (SEM) is a widely used statistical method in social science. However, many published articles employing SEM appear to contradict its underlying principles and assumptions, which undermines the scientific rigor of the research. Model modifications should be data-driven and clearly justified, rather than arbitrarily changing the relationships between variables. Removing measurement indicators can significantly reduce discrepancies between the sample data and the model. This approach is often considered optimal for model modification. Except for certain specific models, error correlations should only be established based on theoretical support to improve the model’s goodness-of-fit. Finally, any modifications to the model should undergo cross-validation to ensure its applicability to other sample datasets.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1506415/fullstructural equation model (SEM)confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)model fitmodel modificationeducational measurement and evaluation |
| spellingShingle | Zhangbo Xiong Huixian Xia Jianjun Ni Hongzhen Hu Basic assumptions, core connotations, and path methods of model modification—using confirmatory factor analysis as an example Frontiers in Education structural equation model (SEM) confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model fit model modification educational measurement and evaluation |
| title | Basic assumptions, core connotations, and path methods of model modification—using confirmatory factor analysis as an example |
| title_full | Basic assumptions, core connotations, and path methods of model modification—using confirmatory factor analysis as an example |
| title_fullStr | Basic assumptions, core connotations, and path methods of model modification—using confirmatory factor analysis as an example |
| title_full_unstemmed | Basic assumptions, core connotations, and path methods of model modification—using confirmatory factor analysis as an example |
| title_short | Basic assumptions, core connotations, and path methods of model modification—using confirmatory factor analysis as an example |
| title_sort | basic assumptions core connotations and path methods of model modification using confirmatory factor analysis as an example |
| topic | structural equation model (SEM) confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model fit model modification educational measurement and evaluation |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1506415/full |
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