Featuring actual datasets as illustrative examples, this book reveals numerous ways to apply structural equation modeling (SEM) to any repeated-measures study. Initial chapters lay the groundwork for modeling a longitudinal change process, from measurement, design, and specification issues to model evaluation and interpretation. Covering both big-picture ideas and technical ""how-to-do-it"" details, the author deftly walks through when and how to use longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis, longitudinal panel models (including the multiple-group case), multilevel models, growth curve models, and complex factor models, as well as models for mediation and moderation. User-friendly features include equation boxes that clearly explain the elements in every equation, end-of-chapter glossaries, and annotated suggestions for further reading. The companion website (www.guilford.com/little-materials) provides datasets for all of the examples--which include studies of bullying, adolescent students' emotions, and healthy aging--with syntax and output from LISREL, Mplus, and R (lavaan).
Industry Reviews
It is rare for a scholar or a teacher to simultaneously demonstrate wisdom, erudition, vision for the future of the field, and the capacity to explain complex ideas and methods to beginners, while also advancing the skill sets of seasoned researchers. Yet these valued attributes are all found in abundance in this volume. This is more than a book about longitudinal SEM; it is a guide to understanding and conducting good science. If any book can be identified as a classic on publication, this one certainly can.--Richard M. Lerner, PhD, Bergstrom Chair in Applied Developmental Science, and Director, Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, Tufts University
Novices and experts alike will learn something new from this book. Little is a born teacher, and it shows in his writing. His approach assumes little background knowledge and provides an entree to the literature for students and researchers who want to know more. Examples from Little's experience as an applied researcher make the concepts concrete and accessible. This is an ideal text to accompany graduate courses on SEM or longitudinal data analysis and a useful reference for researchers who want to add longitudinal SEM to their methodological toolboxes.--Kristopher J. Preacher, PhD, Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University
Little has used his gifts as a researcher, teacher, and writer to create a wonderfully accessible volume that will benefit applied researchers and graduate students alike. Each chapter is complete with highly readable explanations, fresh and interesting examples drawn from the author's own considerable experience, beautifully detailed figures, practical modeling tips and tricks, and extensive supporting materials on the Web, all woven together with welcome doses of humor and personality.--Gregory R. Hancock, PhD, Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland
Little leads readers through a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to SEM by explaining how to think about longitudinal designs, weigh modeling options, and make informed decisions. Developed in both conceptual and technical terms, and illustrated with social science examples, this book is particularly suited to those who follow words and sentences more easily than they track symbols and mathematical operators.--Melissa Hardy, PhD, Department of Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University-
