The session details the measurement of latent constructs and provides practical training on the use of confirmatory factor analysis and latent trait models.
This session provides an accessible introduction to the principles and practice of measuring latent traits in STEM studies as well as their implementation in common statistical software. Presenters first outline the motivation for latent traits and the practical challenges to measuring them in STEM studies. They then introduce case studies focused on measuring several different types of latent constructs associated with STEM education in different contextual settings. Presenters consider applied illustrations in detail and demonstrate them through hands-on examples of confirmatory factor analyses in software. They then consider multilevel extensions to these concepts in STEM settings and investigate other participant-generated considerations and challenges. The session concludes with a discussion of practical measurement plans related to study design and the assessment of intervention effects.