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An empirical comparison of restricted and general latent distance analysis

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Abstract

Latent distance analysis provides a probability model for the non-perfect Guttman scale; the restricted latent distance structure is simpler to compute than the general structure. Since no sampling theory for latent structure analysis is available, the advantages of the general structure cannot be expressed formally. The two structures are compared in terms of their fit to fifteen sets of empirical data. The computation schemes used are summarized.

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References

  1. Borgatta, E. F. and Hays, D. G. Some limitations on the arbitrary classification of non-scale response patterns in a Guttman scale.Public Opinion Quarterly, 1952,16, 410–416.

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  2. Paper 3. Improved model for a latent distance scale. In: The use of mathematical models in the measurement of attitudes. (Prepared under the direction of Paul F. Lazarsfeld) Rand report, Part II. The Rand Corp., Santa Monica, Calif., March22, 1951.

  3. Lazarsfeld, P. F. The logical and mathematical foundation of latent structure analysis analysis. The interpretation and computation of same latent structures. In: Measurement and prediction. Princeton University Press, 1950. Pp. 362–472.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Social Relations, Harvard University, USA

    David G. Hays

  2. Russell Sage Foundation, USA

    Edgar F. Borgatta

Authors
  1. David G. Hays
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  2. Edgar F. Borgatta
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Additional information

This research, carried out at Harvard Laboratory of Social Relations, was supported in part by the United States Air Force under Contract AF33 (038)-12782 monitored by the Human Resources Research Institute. Permission is granted for reproduction, translation, publication and disposal in whole and in part by or for the United States Government. We are grateful to Paul F. Lazarsfeld for allowing us to draw from his work and to Frederick C. Mosteller for reading an earlier version of the manuscript and offering valuable suggestions.

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Hays, D.G., Borgatta, E.F. An empirical comparison of restricted and general latent distance analysis. Psychometrika 19, 271–279 (1954). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02289227

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02289227

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