Work

An introduction to model implied instrumental variables using two stage least squares (MIIV-2SLS) in structural equation models (SEMs).

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Structural equation models (SEMs) are widely used to handle multiequation systems that involve latent variables, multiple indicators, and measurement error. Maximum likelihood (ML) and diagonally weighted least squares (DWLS) dominate the estimation of SEMs with continuous or categorical endogenous variables, respectively. When a model is correctly specified, ML and DWLS function well. But, in the face of incorrect structures or nonconvergence, their performance can seriously deteriorate. Model implied instrumental variable, two stage least squares (MIIV-2SLS) estimates and tests individual equations, is more robust to misspecifications, and is noniterative, thus avoiding nonconvergence. This article is an overview and tutorial on MIIV-2SLS. It reviews the six major steps in using MIIV-2SLS: (a) model specification; (b) model identification; (c) latent to observed (L2O) variable transformation; (d) finding MIIVs; (e) using 2SLS; and (f) tests of overidentified equations. Each step is illustrated using a running empirical example from Reisenzein's (1986) randomized experiment on helping behavior. We also explain and illustrate the analytic conditions under which an equation estimated with MIIV-2SLS is robust to structural misspecifications. We include additional sections on MIIV approaches using a covariance matrix and mean vector as data input, conducting multilevel SEM, analyzing categorical endogenous variables, causal inference, and extensions and applications. Online supplemental material illustrates input code for all examples and simulations using the R package MIIVsem. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Psychological Methods

DOI: 10.1037/met0000297

Authors: Kenneth A. Bollen, Zachary F. Fisher, Michael L. Giordano, Adam G. Lilly, Lan Luo, Ai Ye

Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Language: English

Topic: Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development