Structural Equation Modeling Approaches to Estimating Score Dependability Within Generalizability Theory-Based Univariate, Multivariate, and Bifactor Designs

Generalizability theory (GT) provides an all-encompassing framework for estimating accuracy of scores and effects of multiple sources of measurement error when using measures intended for either norm- or criterion-referencing purposes. Structural equation models (SEMs) can replicate results from GT-...

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Main Authors: Walter P. Vispoel, Hyeryung Lee, Tingting Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Mathematics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/13/6/1001
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author Walter P. Vispoel
Hyeryung Lee
Tingting Chen
author_facet Walter P. Vispoel
Hyeryung Lee
Tingting Chen
author_sort Walter P. Vispoel
collection DOAJ
description Generalizability theory (GT) provides an all-encompassing framework for estimating accuracy of scores and effects of multiple sources of measurement error when using measures intended for either norm- or criterion-referencing purposes. Structural equation models (SEMs) can replicate results from GT-based ANOVA procedures while extending those analyses to account for scale coarseness, generate Monte Carlo-based confidence intervals for key parameters, partition universe score variance into general and group factor effects, and assess subscale score viability. We apply these techniques in R to univariate, multivariate, and bifactor designs using a novel indicator-mean approach to estimate absolute error. When representing responses to items from the shortened form of the Music Self-Perception Inventory (MUSPI-S) using 2-, 4-, and 8-point response metrics over two occasions, SEMs reproduced results from the ANOVA-based <i>mGENOVA</i> package for univariate and multivariate designs with score accuracy and subscale viability indices within bifactor designs comparable to those from corresponding multivariate designs. Adjusting for scale coarseness improved the accuracy of scores across all response metrics, with dichotomous observed scores least approximating truly continuous scales. Although general-factor effects were dominant, subscale viability was supported in all cases, with transient measurement error leading to the greatest reductions in score accuracy. Key implications are discussed.
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spelling doaj-art-bb44800d882f45cbb641bebe5c80d51b2025-08-20T02:11:14ZengMDPI AGMathematics2227-73902025-03-01136100110.3390/math13061001Structural Equation Modeling Approaches to Estimating Score Dependability Within Generalizability Theory-Based Univariate, Multivariate, and Bifactor DesignsWalter P. Vispoel0Hyeryung Lee1Tingting Chen2Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USADepartment of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USADepartment of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USAGeneralizability theory (GT) provides an all-encompassing framework for estimating accuracy of scores and effects of multiple sources of measurement error when using measures intended for either norm- or criterion-referencing purposes. Structural equation models (SEMs) can replicate results from GT-based ANOVA procedures while extending those analyses to account for scale coarseness, generate Monte Carlo-based confidence intervals for key parameters, partition universe score variance into general and group factor effects, and assess subscale score viability. We apply these techniques in R to univariate, multivariate, and bifactor designs using a novel indicator-mean approach to estimate absolute error. When representing responses to items from the shortened form of the Music Self-Perception Inventory (MUSPI-S) using 2-, 4-, and 8-point response metrics over two occasions, SEMs reproduced results from the ANOVA-based <i>mGENOVA</i> package for univariate and multivariate designs with score accuracy and subscale viability indices within bifactor designs comparable to those from corresponding multivariate designs. Adjusting for scale coarseness improved the accuracy of scores across all response metrics, with dichotomous observed scores least approximating truly continuous scales. Although general-factor effects were dominant, subscale viability was supported in all cases, with transient measurement error leading to the greatest reductions in score accuracy. Key implications are discussed.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/13/6/1001structural equation modelsgeneralizability theorymultivariate analysisbifactor modelsR programmingreliability
spellingShingle Walter P. Vispoel
Hyeryung Lee
Tingting Chen
Structural Equation Modeling Approaches to Estimating Score Dependability Within Generalizability Theory-Based Univariate, Multivariate, and Bifactor Designs
Mathematics
structural equation models
generalizability theory
multivariate analysis
bifactor models
R programming
reliability
title Structural Equation Modeling Approaches to Estimating Score Dependability Within Generalizability Theory-Based Univariate, Multivariate, and Bifactor Designs
title_full Structural Equation Modeling Approaches to Estimating Score Dependability Within Generalizability Theory-Based Univariate, Multivariate, and Bifactor Designs
title_fullStr Structural Equation Modeling Approaches to Estimating Score Dependability Within Generalizability Theory-Based Univariate, Multivariate, and Bifactor Designs
title_full_unstemmed Structural Equation Modeling Approaches to Estimating Score Dependability Within Generalizability Theory-Based Univariate, Multivariate, and Bifactor Designs
title_short Structural Equation Modeling Approaches to Estimating Score Dependability Within Generalizability Theory-Based Univariate, Multivariate, and Bifactor Designs
title_sort structural equation modeling approaches to estimating score dependability within generalizability theory based univariate multivariate and bifactor designs
topic structural equation models
generalizability theory
multivariate analysis
bifactor models
R programming
reliability
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/13/6/1001
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