Advanced longitudinal modeling in Mplus

In this course, SEM experts will teach you about the fundamentals of SEM and various types of longitudinal data analysis techniques, such as growth curves analysis, cross-lagged panel models, and dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM). The course consists of in-depth lectures and computer lab meeting on the fundamentals of Mplus and on advanced longitudinal models.

Many researchers in the social and behavioural sciences are using, or want to use, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to investigate their theories. Mplus is a popular and flexible software package for doing SEM. We offer a 5-day course on learning more about what you are doing in Mplus and about diverse forms of longitudinal analyses in Mplus, where our experts are ready to answer your questions.

On the first day, the focus is on the formulas behind SEM, calculating the number of parameters and degrees of freedom by hand as a way of model checking, interpreting the TECH1 output, when to worry about the default settings in Mplus, model parameterization, and model fit. In the following four days, diverse longitudinal models are discussed, including recent development with respect to cross-lagged panel models, latent growth curve models, latent class growth models, latent transition analysis, and dynamic structural equation models. In addition, the way in which diverse panel data models relate to causal inference is discussed.

On each day there are, besides lectures, one or more computer labs in which participants obtain hands-on Mplus experience with the discussed topics and models.

(Research) master students or (post-graduate) researchers who already use Mplus and/or followed a multiple-day introduction into Mplus, for example the USS course ‘Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling using Mplus’. Participants from a variety of fields, including sociology, psychology, education, human development, marketing, business, biology, medicine, political science, and communication sciences, may benefit from the course.

A maximum of 40 participants will be admitted to this course.

The selection will be done on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that there is always a one-day delay between the registration system and the information on the website about the availability of places.

For an overview of all our summer courses offered by the Department of Methodology and Statistics please click here.

The main objective of the course is to acquire an expert understanding of longitudinal models as applied in the social and behavioural sciences are analyzed using Mplus.