Data Analysis with Mplus

A practical introduction to using Mplus for the analysis of multivariate data, this volume provides step-by-step guidance, complete with real data examples, numerous screen shots, and output excerpts. The author shows how to prepare a data set for import in Mplus using SPSS. He explains how to specify different types of models in Mplus syntax and address typical caveats--for example, assessing measurement invariance in longitudinal SEMs. Coverage includes path and factor analytic models as well as mediational, longitudinal, multilevel, and latent class models. Specific programming tips and solution strategies are presented in boxes in each chapter. The companion website (www.guilford.com/geiser-materials) features data sets, annotated syntax files, and output for all of the examples. Of special utility to instructors and students, many of the examples can be run with the free demo version of Mplus.

Mplus is arguably the most flexible commercially available software program for SEM and all of its special cases. Geiser has provided an admirable service to the community of researchers who use Mplus with this highly readable book. The book is an indispensable companion to more advanced SEM texts and is certainly an important supplementary text for graduate courses on SEM.--David Kaplan, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMore and more researchers all over the world are using Mplus. I know of no other book that provides such a truly helpful tutorial on everything from the very first steps to how to run complicated SEM models like latent growth models. Beginners will very much appreciate how much attention the author pays to the basics. Many easy-to-make mistakes can be prevented by keeping this book within arm's reach. It is perfect for researchers at any career stage seeking an accessible, informative introduction to analyzing data with Mplus.--Rens van de Schoot, PhD, Department of Methods and Statistics, Utrecht University, The NetherlandsThis text combines an extensive tutorial in Mplus programming with clear descriptions of the statistical models being implemented. Coverage includes standard path and factor analytic models, as well as longitudinal, multilevel, and latent class models. Many real examples are analyzed throughout the book, with careful explanations of syntax, screen shots to help navigate the program, and thorough discussions of results. The companion website provides the data, input, output, and annotated syntax files for all examples. This book will be of great interest to students and researchers who want not only to learn about Mplus, but also to gain a better understanding of SEM.--Roger E. Millsap, PhD, Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityAbsolutely fantastic! I really wish I had had this book when I was a grad student. I will strongly recommend it to my own students, as well as to colleagues who ask for help with Mplus. The breadth of statistical techniques covered goes far beyond conventional SEM and makes this a valuable resource for both new and experienced Mplus users.--Alex Bierman, PhD, Department of Sociology, University of Calgary, Canada -

Christian Geiser, PhD, is CEO of Quantfish and former Professor of Psychology at Utah State University. His research interests are in psychometrics and structural equation modeling, particularly in longitudinal data analysis and multitrait–multimethod modeling. As part of his methodological work, he has presented new longitudinal structural equation modeling approaches for examining effects of situations and person–situation interactions, as well as models for integrating information from multiple reporters or other methods in longitudinal analyses. He offers Mplus workshops at www.goquantfish.com.