Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling

Abstract

This paper describes the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) parameterization of the Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) model to demonstrate validation of profile pattern hypotheses derived from multidimensional scaling (MDS). Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) is an exploratory method for identifying major profiles in a multi-subtest test battery. Major profile patterns are represented as dimensions extracted from a MDS analysis. PAMS represents an individual observed score as a linear combination of dimensions where the dimensions are the most typical profile patterns present in a population. While the PAMS approach was initially developed for exploratory purposes, its results can later be confirmed in a different sample by CFA. Since CFA is often used to verify results from an exploratory factor analysis, the present paper makes the connection between a factor model and the PAMS model, and then illustrates CFA with a simulated example (that was generated by the PAMS model) and at the same time with a real example. The real example demonstrates confirmation of PAMS exploratory results by using a different sample. Fit indexes can be used to indicate whether the CFA reparameterization as a confirmatory approach works for the PAMS exploratory results.

Gender Profiles of Workplace Individual and Organizational Deviance

“…Interpreting dimensions as core profiles has been supported and validated by numerous studies (e.g., Frisby & Kim, 2008;Kim, 2013;Kim et al, 2017;Kim, Davison, & Frisby, 2007;McKay et al, 2014;Olatunji, Kim, & Wall, 2015;Sosinsky & Kim, 2013). Specifically, person p's response profile can be replicated with PAMS parameter estimates, indicating a level index for person p (mean of input variable scores) + person p's weights on core profiles + a residual.…”

Models of the Joint Structure of Domain-Related and Global Distress: Implications for the Reconciliation of Quality of Life and Mental Health Perspectives

“…Thus, the partitioning of item variance in this model distills domain-circumscribed distress from domain-related distress. Kim et al (2007) …”

Comparing longitudinal profile patterns of Mathematics and Reading in early child longitudinal study, kindergarten: The Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) approach

“…This study aims to demonstrate how a new profile analysis technique called Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS; Davison 1996;Kim et al 2004Kim et al , 2007Frisby and Kim 2008) can be applied to understanding longitudinal patterns across time. Profile analysis has been used to describe the practice of distinguishing among groups of individuals based on their unique pattern of subtest scores (Stanton and Reynolds 2000).…”