How can I run advanced CFA models with lavaan?

CFA
1

I’m working on advanced CFA models in lavaan and built a new dataset and model. See the code below. How should I handle the cluster issue?

data_sample <- data.frame(id = 1:50, meas1 = runif(50), meas2 = runif(50), meas3 = runif(50))
model_def <- 'latentVar =~ meas1 + meas2 + meas3'
fit_result <- lavaan::cfa(model_def, data = data_sample)
2

hey, if you have a real clustering issue, try using type=‘complex’ in your cfa call. make sure your id varaibles repesent actual clusters for proper correction. check out lavaan.survey for survey specific setups as well.

3

In my experience, dealing with clustering in advanced CFA models with lavaan requires additional steps beyond specifying type=‘complex’. Ensuring that the clustering variable is correctly identified and integrated in the model is crucial. I’ve found that running a multilevel CFA can sometimes yield more robust results than merely adjusting for non-independence via standard error corrections. It is also helpful to conduct sensitivity analyses to check that the clustering structure is adequately captured within the model’s framework, thereby improving overall model fit and validity.

4

Hey there! I just wanted to add that another angle you might consider is mixing robust estimation with your clustering adjustments. I’ve been playing around with the ‘MLR’ estimator in lavaan, which can help cushion any non-normal data issues while you specify your clustering variable, and it sometimes leads to pretty interesting insights. Also, if you’ve got a multilevel structure underlying your data, it’s worth looking into splitting the analysis between within and between groups—this can sometimes reveal nuances that a one-size-fits-all model might miss. I’m curious, has anyone else tried testing model fit indices across different clustering strategies to see how much the adjustments shift the results? It would be great to hear about any simulation work or diagnostics you all have done on that front. What are your thoughts on diving deeper into that approach? Cheers and happy modeling :blush: