Latent Trait and L. Class Analysis for Cross-national Surveys

Latent variable models are a broad family of models that can be used to capture abstract concepts by means of multiple indicators. Social scientists know them best in the form of factor analysis and structural equation models, in which continuous latent variables are captured by means of continuous observed variables. However, social surveys and many other applications often yield observed variables that are categorical instead of continuous. In this case, the appropriate latent variable models are latent trait (or item response theory) models for continuous latent variables and latent class models for categorical latent variables.

Target group

Students, researchers, business professionals who need to develop good quality surveys and/or need to apply appropriate and up-to-date statistical methods. At the conclusion of the Summer School, participants will receive a certificate for each course and with the number of hours attended.

Course aim

This workshop aims to introduce participants to latent trait and latent class models (Days 1-3), and to multiple group latent trait and latent class analyses (Days 4-5). It provides training in the use of the Mplus programme to carry out the analyses.