Comparing Multiple Statistical Software for Multiple-Indicator, Multiple-Cause Modeling: An Application of Gender Disparity in Adult Cognitive Functioning Using MIDUS II Dataset (original) (raw)

Background: The Multiple-indicator, multiple-cause model (MIMIC) incorporates covariates of interest in the factor analysis using structural equation modeling framework. The model provides rigorous results and becomes broadly available in multiple statistical software. The current study introduces the MIMIC model and how it can be implemented using statistical software SAS CALIS procedure, R lavaan package, and M plus version 8.0. Methods: In this paper, we first discussed the formulation of the MIMIC model with regard to model specification and identification. We then demonstrated the empirical application of the MIMIC model with the Midlife in the United States II (MIDUS II) Study (N=4,109) using SAS CALIS procedure, R lavaan package and M plus version 8.0 to examine gender disparities in cognitive functioning. The input, output, and diagram syntaxes of the three statistical software programs were also presented. Results In terms of data structure, all three statistical programs c...