| Abstract: | Describes a procedure that enables researchers to estimate nonlinear and interactive effects of latent variables in structural equation models. Given that the latent variables are normally distributed, the parameters of such models can be estimated. To do this, products of the measured variables are used as indicators of latent product variables. Estimation must be done using a procedure that allows nonlinear constraints on parameters. The procedure is demonstrated in 3 examples. The 1st 2 examples use artificial data with known parameter values. These parameters are successfully recovered by the procedure. The final complex example uses national election survey data. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
