AMOS Graphics
AMOS or Analysis of Moment Structures is an added SPSS module that supports path analysis confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). It is a visual software that can be used to graphically draw models. AMOS boasts of simple drawing tools that can be used to perform structural equal modeling computations and display results. AMOS graphics uses methods such as generalized least squares, maximum likelihood, and Browne’s asymptotically distribution-free criterion, to compute SEM coefficients.
Path Analysis
Path analysis can be seen as an extension of an ordinary regression model. It is used to compare two or more causal models from the correlation matrix. Path analysis uses an arrow and a square to depict the path of the model. AMOS allows you to carry out path analysis on several regression models
Latent Growth Curve (LGC) Modeling in AMOS
LGC modeling is an SEM technique used to examine longitudinal change over time. This type of analysis allows users to examine:
Intra-individual changes
Inter-individual differences
Linear and non-linear changes
To understand the underlying features of latent growth curve modeling, you must have a foundational knowledge of structural equation modeling.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)
Confirmatory factor analysis is used to estimate how well the number of constructs is represented by the variables that have been measured. This multivariate statistical procedure is almost similar to exploratory factor analysis (EFA). However, EFA provides details on the factors that are required to represent data by simply exploring data. Researchers can use CFA to determine the number of factors needed for their data. It is a technique that is used to reject or confirm the theory of measurement.