ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 introduces the topic of latent growth curve models and how SEM can analyze longitudinal data. Over multiple time periods, latent growth curves can predict trends for future values. The inclusion of predictor variables into a latent growth curve model is discussed and how it can add further insight into the trends or “growth” over time periods. The second half of the chapter extends the discussion of longitudinal analysis by examining if the growth curve of a model has a nonlinear pattern and how to determine if this is the case. Lastly, the chapter discusses how multiple domains can be considered in a latent growth curve along with a detailed example in AMOS on how to accomplish this type of analysis.
