MAE4101 – Measurement models
Course description
Course content
In this course, you will get acquainted with the fundamental theories and applications of measurement models and their roles in structural equation models. The focus will be on using these methods for applied research.
You also gain practical competency in statistical software for analyzing data.
The course covers the following key topics:
- Overview of latent variable models and measurement error
- Path diagram, causality, and matrix notation
- Model fit and comparison
- Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis
- Moderation and mediation
- Multigroup analysis and measurement invariance
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- Recognize the general principles of measurement models
- Understand the key assumptions that underlie these models and methods
- Understand what violations of their assumptions can mean for model selection and associated inferences
Skills
- Select, apply, and interpret the parameters of a measurement model for the research question at hand, for instance, in the context of structural equation modeling
- Test key assumptions and offer possible solutions to violations
- Write up the results of an analysis in an appropriate way
- Analyze data with the help of existing statistical software packages
Competencies
- Demonstrate a facility with measurement models to answer well-defined research questions, for instance, in the context of structural equation modeling
- Interpret published scientific research that uses these models and methods
- Evaluate the tenability of associated inferences and knowledge claims
Admission to the course
Obligatory for students in the Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation master program. Students from other master’s programs at UiO may be considered if there is capacity. Contact us at studentinfo@cemo.uio.no to request registration.
Ph.d. candidates can take the Ph.d. version of the course: UV9297
Recommended previous knowledge
Having completed MAE4000 Data Science or equivalent. If you are unsure of whether your prior knowledge is sufficient, please contact studentinfo@cemo.uio.no
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with MAE4110 – Measurement Models (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with MAE4111 – Structural Models (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with UV9297 – Measurement models.
Teaching
This course combines lectures and seminars with data analysis tasks in statistical software environments.
Obligatory course components:
- 80% attendance requirement
- Completion of two individual written assignments
Examination
The exam consists of a 4-hour individual written examination covering all course material and topics.
You need to have successfully completed the obligatory course components before being allowed to sit the exam. If you do not fulfill these requirements, you must submit a written request to apply for an additional assignment prior to sitting the exam. The application must document stated reasons for absence beyond your control.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.