Control of Type I Errors with Multiple Tests of Constraints in Structural Equation Modeling

Area of Science:

• Statistics
• Psychometrics
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Evaluating multiple statistical tests involves managing Type 1 errors.
• Structural equation modeling (SEM) is widely used in various research fields.
• Conflicting perspectives exist on controlling Type 1 errors during data exploration in SEM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present two contrasting views on Type 1 error control in SEM.
• To advocate for controlling Type 1 errors to guide model specification and prevent spurious findings.
• To illustrate methods for managing Type 1 errors in SEM model comparisons.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing perspectives on Type 1 error control in statistical analysis.
• Theoretical argumentation for the necessity of Type 1 error control in SEM.
• Illustrative examples demonstrating methods for controlling Type 1 errors in SEM.

Main Results:

• Presents two distinct viewpoints on the role of Type 1 error control in SEM.
• Argues that controlling Type 1 errors aids in developing meaningful and theoretically sound models.
• Demonstrates practical approaches for managing Type 1 errors during SEM model evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Controlling Type 1 errors is beneficial for guiding SEM model development and ensuring validity.
• Limiting data exploration through theoretical frameworks and error control enhances research rigor.
• Methods for controlling Type 1 errors should be applied in SEM, similar to other statistical comparisons.