Multitrait-Multimethod Comparisons Across Populations: A Confirmatory Factor Analytic Approach

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Abstract
The advantages of multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) methodology and the power of maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis are combined in an ordered framework for the comparison of covariance structures and true means across populations. First, a sequence of tests of and between hierarchically nested confirmatory factor analytic models is described for the analysis of measurement equivalence and construct validity across populations. Second, a similar sequence of model comparisons is proposed for the detection of true score-observed score regression intercept differences and true mean differences between populations. The proposed procedure is contrasted with MANOVA comparisons of group means: (1) use of MANOVA assumes test equivalence and validity across populations, whereas the present procedure permits statistical analysis of these assumptions; (2) MANOVA bases discriminant function coefficients partially upon observed differences between groups, whereas the current procedure weights each variate acc...