ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly reviews current power estimation methods using latent variable approaches. The applications presented include power estimation for a growth parameter in a single-sample latent growth modeling model and for treatment effects in a longitudinal experimental study. Here, methods and applications related to power estimation were presented within a latent variable growth curve framework. Subsequent applications of power estimation in growth analysis, involving studies of natural growth processes and treatment effects in experimental designs, were illustrated. Within the latent variable growth modeling framework, power estimation is directly related to the parameter values of a specified model. Often the researcher is interested in determining power for a parameter estimate that corresponds to a specific effect size. Ideally, power analysis should be integrated within the same statistical framework researchers use for their regular analyses. Even though it is possible to determine power for a given level of significance, effect size, and sample size, there are many situations with sample size limitations.
