Latent variables analysis in person-oriented research

Abstract

In this article, we demonstrate that latent variable analysis can be of great use in person-oriented research. Starting with exploratory factor analysis of metric variables, we present an example of the problems that come with generalization of aggregate-level results to subpopulations. Oftentimes, results that are valid for populations do not represent subpopulations at all. This applies to confirmatory factor analysis as well. When variables are categorical, latent class analysis can be used to create latent variables that explain the covariation of observed variables. In an example, we demonstrate that latent class analysis can be applied to data from individuals, when the number of observation points is sufficiently large. In each case of latent variables analysis, the latent variables can be considered moderators of the structure of covariation among observed variables.