Browsing by Subject "Structural equation modeling"
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Item A multidimensional customer-based brand equity and its application to religious events: The case of Mazu(2011-12) Lin, Hsing-Hui; Yuan, Jingxue; Stout, Betty L.; Goh, Ben K.This study aimed to verify the perception of customer-based brand equity (CBBE) by measuring event brands within an integrated model and to apply brands based on visitors’ perspectives. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was conducted to examine the hypothesized model of which confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) served to analyze the measurement model and a theoretical model was established to examine the model fit. Questionnaires were analyzed (N = 504), results indicated that the pattern obtained a high internal consistency among all model constructs and a powerful explanation of the variance was found. Brand loyalty was based on value, which was indirectly affected, by image and quality. This information may be useful to event organizers and sponsors in branding and operating tourists’ destinations. More importantly, the brand of Taichung Mazu Event can be constructed to be a powerful tourism product that diversifies the product mix in Taichung City.Item An Examination of the Relationship Between Death Anxiety, Optimism, Depression, and Anxiety(2011-08) Brown, Ashlee G.; Harter, Stephanie; Richards, Steven; Austin, Kathy; Cukrowicz, Kelly C.Although the topics of death anxiety and optimism have been studied extensively in the literature, there is a limited amount of research addressing both of these concepts together. Furthermore, there has not yet been an attempt to formulate a model to explain the relationship between these two variables. Death anxiety and optimism have also been shown to relate differentially to other measures of well-being, such as indices of psychopathology (e.g., Ayub, 2009; Fotiadou, Barlow, Powell, & Langton, 2008; Gilliland & Templer, 1985-1986; Kurdek & Siesky, 1990; Moreno, De La Fuente Solana, Rico, & Fernandez, 2008-2009; Neimeyer & Fortner, 1995; Peleg, Barak, Harel, Rochberg, & Hoofien, 2009; Pollak, 1979). When conceptualized through Kelly‘s Personal Construct Theory (1955), depression and anxiety are emotions signaling transition within constructs, the presence of which may affect the relationship between optimism and death anxiety. This study examined whether depression and anxiety were mediators in the relationship between death anxiety and optimism through the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This study demonstrates that depression/anxiety mediate the relationship between optimism and death anxiety, and that the fully mediated model is the preferred model.Item Anxiety and conduct problems in children and adolescents : the role of executive functioning in a dual-pathway model(2013-08) Mauseth, Tory Ann; Keith, Timothy, 1952-; Robillard, Rachel WestAlthough anxiety disorders and conduct problems often co-occur in children and adolescents, literature describing the effects of such co-occurrence is mixed. There is evidence that symptoms of anxiety disorders may mitigate symptoms of conduct problems (buffering hypothesis) or may exacerbate symptoms of conduct problems (multiple problem hypothesis). A dual-pathway model has been proposed that suggests several possible etiological or risk processes that may differentiate these pathways (i.e., the buffering hypothesis or the multiple problem hypothesis) (Drabick, Ollendick, & Bubier, 2010). Executive functioning is one factor that has been identified that may differentially confer risk to the proposed pathways; however, little research has been done investigating its role. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the dual-pathway model by determining whether executive functioning abilities contribute to differentiating those youth for whom anxiety exacerbates conduct problems from those for whom anxiety mitigates conduct problems. Specifically, the study sought to examine if executive functioning moderated the effect of anxiety symptom severity on conduct problems. Latent variable structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data of 221 youth aged 9 to 16 in a residential treatment center who completed a full neuropsychological evaluation. Results of the study failed to support the hypothesis that executive functioning moderates the effect of anxiety on conduct problems. Furthermore, a structural equation model without an interaction between executive functioning and anxiety was found to fit the data better than a model with an interaction between those variables. Overall, the study found that executive functioning abilities could not distinguish youth for whom anxiety exacerbates conduct problems from youth for whom anxiety mitigates conduct problems. Recommendations for future research in light of the limitations of the current study, as well as remaining gaps in the literature, are discussed.Item Comparing "models": The best fit for social predictors of bulimic pathology(2006-08) Whittaker, Aimee E.; Robitschek, Christine; Clopton, James R.; Hendrick, Susan S.; Hardin, Erin E.The number and variety of theories and research on bulimia nervosa (BN) and its related symptoms indicate that using a multidimensional approach when examining the etiology and risk factors of the disorder is paramount because no single factor seems to be predictive of who will and will not develop BN. More specifically, approaches differentiating among biological, psychological, and social components are often considered when attempting to determine the etiology of BN (Stieger & Seguin, 1999). With respect to social components, different aspects of interactions with the environment (and the people within it) may serve as contributors to bulimic pathology. Although much research has focused on a few specific dimensions of social interactions involved in eating pathology, little research has examined a wide range of social interactions in the prediction of bulimic behaviors and attitudes. Therefore, one purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine the relationships of a wide variety of social interactions with eating pathology, specifically, BN. The social variables included as predictors of bulimic pathology in this study are related to sociocultural encouragement of the thin-ideal, family functioning, and social support. Questionnaires, which also included three measures of bulimic pathology were completed by 289 European American female college students. The main data analysis was structural equation modeling. This analysis determined if the predictors fit into higher order factor structures differentiating between types of social interactions and sources of social interactions. Two models were tested to establish the best fit in regard to predicting bulimic symptoms. Model A (see Figure 1) investigated the prediction of bulimic symptoms according to types of social interactions. Model B (See Figure 2) investigated the prediction of bulimic symptoms according to sources of social interactions. In sum, the current study examined whether the social variables included in this study were better predictors of bulimic pathology when grouped according to types of social interactions (such as social reinforcement, family functioning, and social support), or when grouped according to sources of social interactions (the media, family, and peers). Results regarding differences in model fit are discussed, and implications for theory, research, and practice are explored.Item Comparing "models": the best fit for social predictors of bulimic pathology(Texas Tech University, 2006-08) Whittaker, Aimee E.; Robitschek, Christine; Hardin, Erin E.; Clopton, James R.; Hendrick, Susan S.The number and variety of theories and research on bulimia nervosa (BN) and its related symptoms indicate that using a multidimensional approach when examining the etiology and risk factors of the disorder is paramount because no single factor seems to be predictive of who will and will not develop BN. More specifically, approaches differentiating among biological, psychological, and social components are often considered when attempting to determine the etiology of BN (Stieger & Seguin, 1999). With respect to social components, different aspects of interactions with the environment (and the people within it) may serve as contributors to bulimic pathology. Although much research has focused on a few specific dimensions of social interactions involved in eating pathology, little research has examined a wide range of social interactions in the prediction of bulimic behaviors and attitudes. Therefore, one purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine the relationships of a wide variety of social interactions with eating pathology, specifically, BN. The social variables included as predictors of bulimic pathology in this study are related to sociocultural encouragement of the thin-ideal, family functioning, and social support. Questionnaires, which also included three measures of bulimic pathology were completed by 289 European American female college students. The main data analysis was structural equation modeling. This analysis determined if the predictors fit into higher order factor structures differentiating between types of social interactions and sources of social interactions. Two models were tested to establish the best fit in regard to predicting bulimic symptoms. Model A (see Figure 1) investigated the prediction of bulimic symptoms according to types of social interactions. Model B (See Figure 2) investigated the prediction of bulimic symptoms according to sources of social interactions. In sum, the current study examined whether the social variables included in this study were better predictors of bulimic pathology when grouped according to types of social interactions (such as social reinforcement, family functioning, and social support), or when grouped according to sources of social interactions (the media, family, and peers). Results regarding differences in model fit are discussed, and implications for theory, research, and practice are explored.Item Comparing latent means using two factor scaling methods : a Monte Carlo study(2012) Wang, Dandan, 1981-; Whittaker, Tiffany; Beretvas, Susan NatashaSocial science researchers are increasingly using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) to compare different groups' latent variable means. To ensure that a MG-CFA model is identified, two approaches are commonly used to set the scale of the latent variable. The reference indicator (RI) strategy, which involves constraining one loading per factor to a value of one across groups, assumes that the RI has equal factor loadings across groups. The second approach involves constraining each factor's variance to a value of one across groups and, thus, assumes that the factor variances are equal across groups. Latent mean differences may be tested and described using Gonzalez and Griffin's (2001) likelihood ratio test (LRT[subscript k]) and Hancock's (2001) standardized latent mean difference effect size measure ([delta subscript k]), respectively. Applied researchers using the LRT[subscript k] and/or the [delta subscript k] when comparing groups' latent means may not explicitly test the assumptions underlying the two factor scaling methods. To date, no study has examined the impact of violating the assumptions associated with the two scaling methods on latent mean comparisons. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of the LRT[subscript k] and the [delta subscript k] when violating the assumptions underlying the RI strategy and/or the factor variance scaling method. Type I error and power of the LRT[subscript k] as well as relative parameter bias and parameter bias of the [delta subscript k] were examined when varying loading difference magnitude, factor variance ratio, factor loading pattern and sample size ratio. Rejection rates of model fit indices, including the x² test, RMSEA, CFI, TLI and SRMR, under these varied conditions were also examined. The results indicated that violating the assumptions underlying the RI strategy did not affect the LRT[subscript k] or the [delta subscript k]. However, violating the assumption underlying the factorvariance scaling method influenced Type I error rates of the LRT[subscript k], particularly in unequal sample size conditions. Results also indicated that the four factors manipulated in this study had an impact on correct model rejection rates of the model fit indices. It is hoped that this study provides useful information to researchers concerning the use of the LRT[subscript k] and [delta subscript k] under factor scaling method assumption violations.Item Explicating the central role of news media use in the process of political participation : toward establishing an integrative structural model of news media effects on political participation(2010-08) Jung, Nak-won; Coleman, RenitaIn order to fully explicate the role of news media in individuals’ political participation, this dissertation aims at establishing an integrative structural model that specifies relationships among news media use, its antecedents and mediators of its influence on political participation. The proposed model is comprised of key factors of political participation that previous research has identified. The relational structure is based on models and theories relevant to prediction of political behaviors. Specifically, the model integrates (a) communication mediation model, which posits that communication behaviors (i.e., news media use and interpersonal discussion) mediate the effects of socio-demographic variables (i.e., income, education, age, gender, and race) and political dispositions (i.e., political interest, partisanship and ideology) on political outcomes; (b) agenda-setting theory, which posits that frequent exposure to news media increases the salience of news objects in audiences’ minds; (c) cognitive mediation model, which posits that elaborative and collective thinking is a prerequisite to produce political outcomes of news exposure; (d) theory of planned behavior, which posits that human behavior can be best predicted by three proximal variables (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control); (e) O-S-R-O-R (orientations-stimulus-reasoning-orientations-response) model of communication effects, which provides a parsimonious framework of effect process. Using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method, this dissertation analyzes the 2008 American National Election Studies data set to test the validity of the proposed structural model. Results indicate that frequent exposure to news media stimulates attentive news use as well as intra- and interpersonal reasoning, which produce a wide range of political outcomes. Two reasoning behaviors (i.e., self-reflection and interpersonal political discussion) are critical mechanisms that linked news media use to various political outcomes including political participation. Personal-psychological mediators, such as strength in affects, personal traits, opinions about political issues, campaign interest, political knowledge, attitude strength, perceived ability of political parties and political efficacy all significantly mediate the influence of news media use on political participation. News media use mediates significant portion of effects that a set of preexisting variables have on political participation as well as various types of political orientations.Item Functional neural networks underlying latent inhibition and the effects of the metabolic enhancer methylene blue(2009-12) Puga, Frank; González-Lima, Francisco, 1955-; Crews, David; Delville, Yvon; Domjan, Michael; Schnyer, DavidThe present research reports the first comprehensive map of brain networks underlying latent inhibition learning, the first application of structural equation modeling to cytochrome oxidase data, and the first effects of methylene blue, a known metabolic enhancer, on latent inhibition. In latent inhibition, repeated exposure to a stimulus results in a latent form of learning that inhibits subsequent associations with that stimulus. As neuronal energy demand to form learned associations changes, so does the induction of the respiratory enzyme cytochrome oxidase. Therefore, cytochrome oxidase can be used as an endpoint metabolic marker of the effects of experience on regional brain metabolic capacity. Quantitative cytochrome oxidase histochemistry was used to map brain regions in mice trained on a tone-footshock fear conditioning paradigm with either tone preexposure (latent inhibition), conditioning only (acquisition), conditioning followed by tone alone (extinction), or no handling or conditioning (naïve). In normal latent inhibition, the ventral cochlear nucleus, medial geniculate, CA1 hippocampus, and perirhinal cortex showed modified metabolic capacity due to latent inhibition. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the causal influences in an anatomical network of these regions and others thought to mediate latent inhibition, including the accumbens and entorhinal cortex. An uncoupling of ascending influences between auditory regions was observed in latent inhibition. There was also a reduced influence on the accumbens from the perirhinal cortex in both latent inhibition and extinction. These results suggest a specific network with a neural mechanism of latent inhibition that involves sensory gating, as evidenced by modifications in metabolic capacity, effective connectivity between auditory regions, and reduced hippocampal influence on the accumbens. The effects of methylene blue on disrupted latent inhibition were also investigated. Reduced tone-alone presentations disrupted the latent inhibition effect and led to an increase in freezing behavior. Repeated low-dose administration of methylene blue decreased freezing levels and facilitated the disrupted latent inhibition effect. Methylene blue administration also resulted in changes in metabolic capacity in limbic and cortical regions. A unique functional neural network was found in methylene blue-restored latent inhibition that emphasized sensory gating of auditory information, attention processing, and cortical inhibition of behavior.Item Long-term associations between childhood sexual/physical violence experience, alcohol use, depressive symptoms, and risky sexual behaviors among young adult women(2013-05) Jun, Jina; Pomeroy, Elizabeth Cheney, 1955-Current literature lacks longitudinal understandings of the association between childhood sexual/physical violence, alcohol use, depressive symptoms, and indiscriminant sexual behaviors among young women, as well as the racial/ethnic differences in these associations. Therefore, using the 1994-2008 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examined a) heterogeneous growth trajectories of problem alcohol use during the transition from adolescents to young adulthood and the impact of childhood sexual/physical violence on drinking trajectories, b) the long-term impact of childhood sexual/physical violence on alcohol use and depressive symptoms, and c) the structural associations between childhood sexual/physical violence and indiscriminant sexual behaviors by examining alcohol use and depressive symptoms as mediators between White and African-American women. First, with 1,702 women, LCGM was used to identify trajectories of problem alcohol use using the first three waves. Four trajectories of problem alcohol use emerged: stable abstainers; decliners (moderate-low); incliners (low-moderate); and rapid incliners (low-high). From the bivariate level analyses, in reference to stable abstainers, White women who experienced childhood sexual/physical violence were more likely to be rapid incliners (low-high). Second, with 1,756 women, autoregressive cross-lagged path models were performed to test longitudinal associations between childhood sexual/physical violence, problem alcohol use, and depressive symptoms of White and African-American women. Both groups demonstrated significant association between childhood sexual/physical violence and subsequent development of depressive symptoms, while only White women demonstrated significant association with subsequent problem alcohol use. Third, with 1,388 women, SEM and multigroup SEM were used to test pathways between childhood sexual/physical violence and indiscriminant sexual behaviors for White and African-American women. SEM indicates that problem alcohol use and depressive symptoms mediated the proposed relationship. Multigroup SEM indicates that, for White women, both problem alcohol use and depressive symptoms mediated the association between childhood sexual/physical violence and indiscriminant sexual behaviors, while only depressive symptoms mediated the proposed association for African-American women. These findings highlight the importance of designing and providing effective prevention and treatment programs for women who experienced childhood sexual/physical violence to interrupt subsequent problem alcohol use, depressive symptoms, and indiscriminant sexual behaviors.Item The nature of socioeconomic status among young adults, and its effect on health : a multi-group SEM analysis by gender and race/ethnicity(2011-08) Yarnell, Lisa Marie; Falbo, Toni; Neff, Kristin D.; Beretvas, Susan N.; Keith, Timothy Z.; Crosnoe, Robert L.This dissertation focuses on results of multi-group SEM models estimated using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) in order to determine appropriate measurement and structural models for the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health among six young adult U.S. social groups. Examining the links between SES and health during young adulthood is important because while there is a strong, documented link between lower SES and poorer health (Adler & Snibbe, 2003), young adults can exercise a considerable amount of agency with regard to their own SES and health. Young adults make critical decisions about pursuing post-secondary education, entering the workforce, and practicing healthy behaviors--activities which differ in their immediate and long-term economic and health payoff (Mirowsky & Ross, 2003; Elder, 1985; 1994). Yet, the nature of SES and its links with health for members of various gender and racial/ethnic groups is not entirely clear. Literature suggests that occupation, education, and income are neither defined nor linked among women in the same ways that they are for men (APA, 2007). Self-assessment of health is also thought to differ by gender and ethnicity (Krause & Jay, 1994). Moreover, limited research has addressed the unique mediating pathways by which aspects of SES affect health for specific social groups (Matthews, Gallo, & Taylor, 2010). In this work, I estimate measurement models for several aspects of SES among African American, Latina, and White men and women, then link aspects of SES with each other and with health using structural equation modeling. I also examine the unique mediating pathways by which aspects of SES are linked with health for these groups.Item Race, personal history characteristics, and vocational rehabilitation outcomes : a structural equation modeling approach(2009-05) Martin, Frank H.; Sorrells, Audrey McCrayNumerous studies have indicated racial and ethnic disparities in the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system, including differences in eligibility, services provided, and employment outcomes. Few of these studies, however, have utilized advanced multivariate techniques or latent constructs to measure quality of employment outcomes (QEO) or tested hypothesized models for the relationship between race, personal history characteristics, and VR outcomes. Furthermore, few VR disparities studies have examined southwestern states such as Texas, which has large Hispanic and Black populations. The purpose of this study was to utilize structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine several implied conceptual models for the relationship between race, personal history characteristics, and VR outcomes for White, Black, and Hispanic participants in the Texas VR system. The implied conceptual models were tested for goodness of fit and multiple-group invariance. A measurement model for QEO, a latent construct, was tested and used in the study. QEO was measured by three indicator variables and evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. A MIMIC model was tested to assess racial/ethnic variation in QEO. The MIMIC results were compared to a multiple regression approach. In addition, a path model and logistic regressions were conducted to assess racial variation in VR closure status among consumers who were unemployed at application to VR. All models were retested with an independent sample to assess predictive validity. The study results indicated good model fit and measurement invariance for the QEO construct. The structural model for race, personal history characteristics, and QEO indicated moderate model fit. It also indicated interaction effects for race by gender and for race by public support. The MIMIC model results suggest that QEO decreased for Blacks and Hispanics compared to Whites. Furthermore, the MIMIC results, which utilized QEO as an endogenous variable, differed from the multiple regression findings, which utilized one criterion. The multiple regression findings indicated no statistically significant difference between Blacks and Whites. The path model for race and VR closure status indicated poor model fit. The logistic regression indicated no racial/ethnic differences in VR closure status. Several model estimates did not cross-validate. Study limitations and suggestions for future research are described.Item The relations between parent training, family messages, cognitive triad, and girls’ depressive symptoms(2012-08) Funk, Catherine Lee; Carlson, Cindy I., 1949-; Stark, Kevin Douglas; Keith, Timothy Z.; Gray, Jane; Loukas, AlexandraIt is important to understand the development of depression, and how a family component to treatment affects early adolescent girls’ depression given the association between depression and negative future outcomes. A potential vulnerability to depression is the cognitive triad, which encompasses beliefs about the self, world, and future and is shaped by early learning experiences. Research indicates that the vulnerability originates from parent-child relationships and family messages, which are important in the development of youth cognitive styles. Previous research also indicates that family variables are important factors to consider in the treatment of depression. The purpose of the current study was to expand previous research by examining the roles of perceived family messages and the cognitive triad in the development of depression for early adolescent girls. The study also explored whether parent gender differentiated how family messages affect girls’ cognitions and depressive symptoms. The study evaluated how the addition of a parent training component to a school-based, group-administered CBT intervention affected change in the model’s variables in comparison to group-administered CBT intervention alone and a monitoring control condition. Participants included early adolescent girls diagnosed with depression and caregivers in the parental treatment component. Girls were randomly assigned to a CBT, CBT+PT, or minimal contact control condition. Ratings of girls’ perceptions of family messages, cognitions, and depressive symptoms were obtained at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Results from structural equation modeling indicated significant effects from perceived family messages to girls’ cognitions. Further, girls’ cognitions mediated the relation between perceived family messages and girls’ depressive symptoms at post-treatment for participants within the CBT and monitoring conditions. No significant differences were evident between parent gender and perceived messages. Results indicated that the addition of a parent component to the CBT intervention did not significantly differ from the CBT intervention alone in its effects on the variable relations within the model at post-treatment. Supplemental analyses highlighted parent attendance as a significant factor, with larger effects from the family messages on girls’ cognitions appearing when parents attended majority (six or more) of the eight parent training sessions. Implications, limitations, and areas for further research are discussed.Item "Sport as a resource caravan" : examining the role and efficacy of sport as a resource provider for adults in transition(2014-08) Walsh, David William; Green, B. Christine; Holahan, Carole K.Sport development is an emerging discipline in sport management due in part to the popular, normative associations between sport and its beneficial outcomes. However, concerns on how sport is used and designed as well as the miscomprehension of the word development cloud sport's utilitarian prospectus. Although research has started to address these concerns in youth and adolescent forums, research on adults using sport for developmental purposes is widely ignored. With life expectancy growing, the pressure to sustain living quality in late adulthood has become almost unmanageable. Maintaining quality of life in late adulthood is difficult. Drawing from human development and aging literature, quality of life is still possible in light of the challenges presented by multiple developmental forces. Developmental trajectories are the products of net gains and losses over the life course and are influenced by transitional events and the ability in people to adapt to them. In addition, development is both cumulative and innovative, which affirms that people in later stages of life can still develop. In order to do this, gerontological and psychological research argue that resources are key in the achievement of positive outcomes. However, research understanding mechanisms that affect resources that produce positive gains is still in its infancy. Hence, I constructed a dissertation with two studies using a multi-method approach to ascertain the role and efficacy of sport participation on the transitional process that undergirds the developmental trajectory. The impetus for this approach was to examine the utility of sport as a developmental force adults could consider in improving their overall quality of life. Study 1 used a life-history, qualitative method that reveals sports' role as an influential resource provider during life event transitions across a person's life. Data show that sport was believed to aid in the adaptation process that provided distinct benefits that other activities or support structures could not match or replicate easily. Study 2 used structural equation modeling to specify the magnitude of sport's role on resources during a specific transitional event that most adults will experience: retirement from the workforce. Quantitative evidence from this study yields support that sport participation can positively impact resources and retirement well-being directly. Both studies supply substantiation for the argument that sport participation can act as a positive developmental force for adults by assisting with the recruitment of resources and acting as a resource provider which affords adaptation assistance in transitions. The combined results demonstrate how sport may be viewed as a developmental tool which has practical implications for sport development and managers wishing to design sport for this purpose. In addition, the common assumption that sport development programming should be geared exclusively toward youth and adolescents is dismissed. This dissertation provides theoretical and empirical justification for creating positive adult developmental programming in sport.Item A structural equation modeling analysis on solvency, operation and profitability of life insurers(2013-05) Zhu, Shuangshuang; Sager, Thomas W.The abilities of life insurers can be divided and measured from various aspects. Through the use of structural equation modeling, we investigate the relations among solvency, operation ability and profitability in year 1994, 1995 and 1996. After within-year analysis and longitudinal data analysis, we found that operation ability has a positive influence on the size and income of life insurers and has a slight negative effect on the return on capital during these years. While the effect of solvency, asset risk and product risk on return on capital is not significant.Item Structural equation modeling compared with ordinary least squares in simulations and life insurers’ data(2013-05) Xiao, Xuan, active 2013; Sager, Thomas W.Structural equation model (SEM) is a general approach to analyze multivariate data. It is a relatively comprehensive model and combines useful characteristics from many statistical approaches, thus enjoys a variety of advantages when dealing complex relationships. This report gives a brief introduction to SEM, focusing especially the comparison of SEM and OLS regression. A simple tutorial of how to apply SEM is also included with the introduction and comparison. SEM can be roughly seen as OLS regression added with features such as simultaneous estimation, latent factors and autocorrelation. Therefore, SEM enjoys a variety of advantages over OLS regression. However, it is not always the case that SEM will be the optimal choice. The biggest concern is the complexity of SEM, for simpler model will be preferable for researchers when the fitness is similar. Two simulation cases, one requires special features of SEM and one satisfies assumptions of OLS regression, are applied to illustrate the choice between SEM and OLS regression. A study using data from US life insurers in the year 1994 serves as a further illustration. The conclusion is when special features of SEM is required, SEM fits better and will be the better choice, while when OLS regression assumptions are satisfied, SEM and OLS regression will fit equally well, considering the complexity of SEM, OLS regression will be the better choice.Item Technology use and intimacy development in committed relationships: exploring the influence of differentiation of self(Texas Tech University, 2006-08) Henline, Branden Hayes; Harris, Steven M.; Reifman, Alan; Bean, Roy A.; Kimball, Thomas G.Contemporary relationships now exist within the context of technology saturated homes and lifestyles. Evidence exists to suggest that modern technology, including television, cellular phones, computers and the Internet, can be used in ways that cause and perpetuate problems in committed relationships. Conversely, existing research suggests that such technologies can be employed to facilitate relationship formation, maintenance, and growth. Nevertheless, it has previously been uncertain what determines whether individuals use current technologies in relationship promoting or inhibiting ways. This study involved 323 participants in committed relationships who were surveyed to assess individual differentiation of self, personal access and uses of technology, and types and levels of intimacy within their committed relationships. Additionally, participants were asked to describe any perceived or experienced benefits and harms of technology use within their relationships. Results from this study suggest that greater differentiation of self is related to lower amounts of both solitary and conjoint technology use as well as with higher levels of emotional, social, sexual, intellectual, and recreational intimacy. Additionally, higher amounts of solitary technology use are associated with poor intimacy in committed relationships. Conversely, conjoint technology use between committed partners can strengthen intimacy in the relationships, particularly, intellectual intimacy. In short, technology can be used both in ways that benefit and in ways that detract from committed relationships. The interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics of differentiation of self appear to at least partially control whether technology is used in intimacy promoting or intimacy inhibiting ways. Conclusions and implications of this study are given.Item Technology use and intimacy development in committed relationships: Exploring the influence of differentiation of self(2006-08) Henline, Branden Hayes; Harris, Steven M.; Bean, Roy A.; Kimball, Thomas G.; Reifman, AlanContemporary relationships now exist within the context of technology saturated homes and lifestyles. Evidence exists to suggest that modern technology, including television, cellular phones, computers and the Internet, can be used in ways that cause and perpetuate problems in committed relationships. Conversely, existing research suggests that such technologies can be employed to facilitate relationship formation, maintenance, and growth. Nevertheless, it has previously been uncertain what determines whether individuals use current technologies in relationship promoting or inhibiting ways. This study involved 323 participants in committed relationships who were surveyed to assess individual differentiation of self, personal access and uses of technology, and types and levels of intimacy within their committed relationships. Additionally, participants were asked to describe any perceived or experienced benefits and harms of technology use within their relationships. Results from this study suggest that greater differentiation of self is related to lower amounts of both solitary and conjoint technology use as well as with higher levels of emotional, social, sexual, intellectual, and recreational intimacy. Additionally, higher amounts of solitary technology use are associated with poor intimacy in committed relationships. Conversely, conjoint technology use between committed partners can strengthen intimacy in the relationships, particularly, intellectual intimacy. In short, technology can be used both in ways that benefit and in ways that detract from committed relationships. The interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics of differentiation of self appear to at least partially control whether technology is used in intimacy promoting or intimacy inhibiting ways. Conclusions and implications of this study are given.Item Verbal learning ability after traumatic brain injury : roles of working memory and processing speed(2011-08) Ridley, Kristen Paige; Keith, Timothy, 1952-; Allen, Greg; Mercer, Walt; Robillard, Rachel; Schallert, DianeLearning and memory impairments are among the most common and enduring cognitive consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers have yet to reach a consensus with regard to the basic cognitive mechanism underlying new learning and memory disturbances after TBI. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the current views regarding the cognitive processes thought to explain impairments in verbal learning and memory subsequent to brain injury. Specifically, this study sought to examine the roles of the central executive component of working memory and processing speed in verbal learning ability following TBI. Latent variable structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data of 70 post-acute care TBI patients between the ages of 16 and 65, who completed a full neuropsychological evaluation. Results indicated that verbal learning and memory difficulties following TBI were explained primarily in terms of the central executive aspects of working memory, after accounting for the relative contributions of processing speed in the model. The direct effect of processing speed on verbal learning and memory was not significant when working memory was taken into account in the model. Rather, the effects of processing speed on verbal learning ability were largely indirect through the central executive component of working memory. Results highlight the importance of both working memory and processing speed in supporting verbal learning and memory processes after TBI. Practical implications for targeting remediation efforts and directing approaches to memory rehabilitation are discussed in light of the study’s findings.