Abstract
This article applies the testing procedures for measurement invariance using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA). It illustrates these procedures by investigating the factorial structure and invariance of the Portraits Value Questionnaire (PVQ, Schwartz et al.: J. Cross Cult. Psychol. 32(5), 519–542 (2001)) across three education groups in a population sample (N = 1,677). The PVQ measures 10 basic values that Schwartz postulates to comprehensively describe the human values recognized in all societies (achievement, hedonism, self-direction, benevolence, conformity, security, stimulation, power, tradition and universalism). We also estimate and compare the latent means of the three education groups. The analyses show partial invariance for most of the 10 values and parameters. As expected, the latent means show that less educated respondents attribute more importance to security, tradition, and conformity values.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Akaike, H.: Factor analysis and AIC. Psychometrika 52, 317–322 (1987)
Baumgartner, H., Steenkamp, J.-B.E.M.: Multi-group latent variable models for varying numbers of items and factors with cross-national and longitudinal applications. Mark. Lett. 9(1), 21–35 (1998)
Bentler, P.M.: Comparative fit indexes in structural models. Psychol. Bull. 107, 238–246 (1990)
Billiet, J.: Cross-cultural equivalence with structural equation modeling. In: Mohler, P.P.(eds) Cross-Cultural Survey Methods, pp. 247–264. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New Jersey (2002)
Bollen, K.A.: Structural Equations With Latent Variables. Wiley, New York (1989)
Browne, M.W., Cudeck, R.: Alternative ways of assessing model fit. In: Bollen, K.A., Long, J.S.(eds) Testing Structural Equation Models, pp. 36–162. Sage, Newbury Park (1993)
Byrne, B.M., Shavelson, R.J., Muthén, B.: Testing for the equivalence of factor covariance and mean structures: the issue of partial measurement invariance. Psychol. Bull. 105(3), 456–466 (1989)
Cole, D.A., Maxwell, S.E.: Multitrait-multimethod comparisons across populations: a confirmatory factor analytic approach. Multivariate Behav. Res. 20, 389–417 (1985)
Converse, P.: The nature of belief systems in mass publics. In: Apter, D.(eds) Ideology and Discontent, pp. 206–261. Free Press, New York (1964)
Cronbach, L.J., Meehl, P.E.: Construct validity in psychological tests. Psychol. Bull. 52, 281–302 (1955)
Davidov, E., Schmidt, P., Schwartz, S.H.: Bringing values back in: a multiple group comparison with 20 countries using the European Social Survey. Public Opin. Q. (in press)
Hayduk, L.A.: Structural Equation Modeling—Essentials and Advances. The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London (1989)
Hinz, A., Brähler, E., Schmidt, P., Albani, C.: Investigating the circumplex structure of the Portraits Value Questionnaire (PVQ). J. Individ. Differ. 26(4), 185–193 (2005)
Hu, L.-T., Bentler, P.M.: Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Struct. Equation Model. 6, 1–55 (1999)
Jöreskog, K.G.: Simultaneous factor analysis in several populations. Psychometrika 36, 409–426 (1971)
Jöreskog, K.G., Sörbom, D.: Lisrel 8 User’s Reference Guide. Scientific Software International, Chicago (1993)
Judd, C., Milburn, M., Krosnick, J.: Political involvement and attitude structure in the general public. Am. Sociol. Rev. 46, 660–669 (1981)
Little, T.D.: Mean and covariance structures (MACS) analyses of cross-cultural data: practical and theoretical issues. Multivariate Behav. Res. 32(1), 53 (1997)
Little, T.D., Slegers, D.W., Card, N.A.: A non-arbitrary method of identifying and scaling latent variables in SEM and MACS models. Struct. Equation Model. 13(1), 59–72 (2006)
Marsh, H.W., Hocevar, D.: Application of confirmatory factor analysis to the study of self-concept: first- and higher order factor models and their invariance across groups. Psychol. Bull. 97(3), 562–582 (1985)
Meredith, W.: Measurement invariance, factor analysis and factorial invariance. Psychometrika 58(4), 525–543 (1993)
Millsap, R.E., Everson, H.: Confirmatory measurement model comparisons using latent means. Multivariate Behav. Res. 26(3), 479–497 (1991)
Millsap, R.E., Hartog, S.B.: Alpha, beta, and gamma change in evaluation research. J. Appl. Psychol. 73, 564–574 (1988)
Muthén, B.: Latent variable modeling in heterogeneous populations. Psychometrika 54(4), 557–585 (1989)
Ployhardt, R.E., Oswald, F.L.: Applications of mean and covariance structure analysis: integrating correlational and experimental approaches. Organ. Res. Methods 7(1), 27–65 (2004)
Saris, W.E., Sniderman, P.M.: Studies in Public Opinion: Attitudes, Nonattitudes, Measurement Error, and Change. University Press, Princeton (2004)
Schmidt, P., Bamberg, S., Davidov, E., Hermann, J., Schwartz, S.H.: Die Messung von Werten mit dem, Portraits Value Questionnaire’ [The Measurement of Values with the, Portraits Value Questionnaire’]. Zeitschrift für Sozialpsychologie. 38(4), 249–263
Schmitt, M.J., Schwartz, S.H., Steyer, R., Schmitt, T.: Measurement models for the Schwartz values inventory. Eur. J. Psychol. Assess. 9(2), 107–121 (1993)
Schwartz, S.H.: Universals in the content and structure of values: theoretical advances and empirical tests in 20 countries In: Zanna, M. (ed.) Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, vol. 25, pp. 1–65. Academic Press, Orlando (1992)
Schwartz, S.H.: Basic human values: their content and structure across countries. In: Tamayo, A., Porto, J.B.(eds) Valores e comportamento nas organizações [Values and Behavior in Organizations], pp. 21–55. Vozes, Petrópolis (2005a)
Schwartz, S.H.: Robustness and fruitfulness of a theory of universals in individual human values. In: Tamayo, A., Porto, J.B.(eds) Valores e comportamento nas organizações [Values and Behavior in Organizations], pp. 56–95. Vozes, Petrópolis (2005 b)
Schwartz, S.H., Boehnke, K.: Evaluating the structure of human values with confirmatory factor analysis. J. Res. Pers. 38(3), 230–255 (2004)
Schwartz, S.H., Melech, G., Lehmann, A., Burgess, S., Harris, M., Owens, V.: Extending the cross-cultural validity of the theory of basic human values with a different method of measurement. J. Cross Cult. Psychol. 32(5), 519–542 (2001)
Sörbom, D.: An alternative to the methodology for analysis of covariances. Psychometrika 43, 381–396 (1978)
Spini, D.: Measurement equivalence of 10 value types from the Schwartz value survey across 21 countries. J. Cross Cult. Psychol. 34(1), 3–23 (2003)
Steenkamp, J.-B.E.M., Baumgartner, H.: Assessing measurement invariance in crossnational consumer research. J. Consum. Res. 25, 78–90 (1998)
Thompson, M.S., Green, S.B.: Evaluating between-group differences in latent means. In: Hancock, G.R., Mueller, R.O.(eds) Structural Equation Modeling: A Second Course, pp. 119–169. Information Age, Greenwich (2006)
Vijver, F.J.R., Leung, K.: Methods and Data Analysis for Cross-Cultural Research. Sage, Newbury Park (1997)
Vandenberg, R.J., Lance, C.E.: A review and synthesis of the measurement invariance literature: suggestions, practices, and recommendations for organizational research. Organ. Res. Methods 3(1), 4–69 (2000)
Zaller, J.R.: The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion. University Press, Cambridge (1995)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Steinmetz, H., Schmidt, P., Tina-Booh, A. et al. Testing measurement invariance using multigroup CFA: differences between educational groups in human values measurement. Qual Quant 43, 599–616 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-007-9143-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-007-9143-x