Finding latent groups in observed data: A primer on latent profile analysis in Mplus for applied researchers. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferguson, Sarah L.; G. Moore, E. Whitney; Hull, Darrell M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of behavioral development. Volume 44:Number 5(2020:Sep.)
• Page Start: 458
• Page End: 468
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Latent profile analysis -- latent variable modeling -- teaching paper; Developmental psychology -- Periodicals; Behaviorism (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1177/0165025419881721
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-0254

Abstract

The present guide provides a practical guide to conducting latent profile analysis (LPA) in the Mplus software system. This guide is intended for researchers familiar with some latent variable modeling but not LPA specifically. A general procedure for conducting LPA is provided in six steps: (a) data inspection, (b) iterative evaluation of models, (c) model fit and interpretability, (d) investigation of patterns of profiles in a retained model, (e) covariate analysis, and (f) presentation of results. A worked example is provided with syntax and results to exemplify the steps.