If you expect to work with the software Mplus, this course can help you to get started! This course is a compact one-day workshop introducing Mplus. We will focus on preparing data for Mplus, introducing common model syntax, avoiding common mistakes, interpreting output, and dealing with common error messages. Practice exercises demonstrate multiple regression and factor analysis models, which are the basis of structural equation models in Mplus.
The workshop starts with a brief overview of structural equation modeling. Then, we will discuss how to import data into Mplus and how to specify a model using Mplus syntax. Participants are familiarized with the important parts of the input and output files. We will also discuss model fit indices, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to deal with error messages.
Please note that we only discuss very simple models: a basic regression model and a confirmatory factor analysis. If you are interested in more complex models (e.g., latent class analysis, multilevel models, latent growth models), please look at our Mplus summer school courses taking place in July: Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling using Mplus and Advanced course on using Mplus.
This one-day workshop is not about analyzing complex models: The main goal is to get you started with Mplus
Prerequisites:
Good working knowledge of multivariate analysis is assumed. Some knowledge of Structural Equation Modeling is helpful but not mandatory.
If you have no experience with SEM, please review the following paper: Hox, J. J. & Bechger, T.M. (2007). An introduction to structural equation modelling. Family Science Review, 11, 354-373. Accessible via www.joophox.net.
Participants are requested to bring their own laptop for the computer examples. Access to Mplus, R and/or SPSS will be provided. However, the demo version of Mplus will be sufficient and can be downloaded from https://www.statmodel.com/demo.shtml.
Please note that there are no graded activities included in this course. Therefore, we are not able to provide students with a transcript of grades. You will obtain a certificate upon completion of this course.
Lecturers
Beth Grandfield
Target audience
Research Master Students, PhD students or post-graduate researchers from a variety of fields will benefit from the course.
A maximum of twenty participants will be allowed to this course.
For an overview of all our summer school courses offered by the Department of Methodology and Statistics please click here.
Aim of the course
The main objective of the course is to acquire a basic understanding of how to use Mplus.
Study load
One day (10.00 – 17.00). Lectures and computer lab exercises will be alternated during this informal one-day workshop.
Costs
- Tuition fee for PhD students from the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences from Utrecht University will be funded by the Graduate School of Social and Behavioural Sciences.
- The tuition fee for staff off the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences from Utrecht University will be funded by FSBS
There are no scholarships available for this course.
Contact details
Irma Reyersen | E: ms.summerschool@uu.nl