A Configural Perspective of Interindividual Differences in Intraindividual Change

Abstract

Lag analysis can be used to inspect stability and change of behavior over a pre-determined time interval, the lag. In the analysis of metric variables, lag analysis is well known and used to identify such temporal effects as seasonal trends. In the analysis of categorical variables, the same can be done. Either approach can be employed in the analysis of both aggregated and individual data. In the domain of studying individual cells of contingency tables, that is, in configural analysis, only two sources exist in which lag analysis is discussed (von Eye, Mair, & Mun, 2010; von Eye & Mun, 2012). In this paper, we place the method of configural lag analysis in a person-oriented context and propose new variants for the comparison of individuals. Three approaches are considered. The first involves searching for configural types and antitypes separately for the comparison individuals. The second approach can be viewed parallel to two- or multiple group Configural Frequency Analysis. Both approaches are presented within a log-linear framework. Configural base models are specified for the original configural lag method as well as the extended comparative methods, and questions are defined that can be answered using configural lag analysis. The third approach allows researchers to test hypotheses concerning groups of cells. In an empirical example, data are analyzed from a study on the development of drinking behavior in alcoholics. Further extensions and alternative methods of analysis are discussed.