Confirmatory Factor Analysis With Different Correlation Types and Estimation Methods

Structural equation modeling techniques can use different correlation coefficients and different estimation methods in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The rationale for examining correlation types and estimation methods is related to their effect on the weight matrix (W-1) in the CFA formula for determining the fit function statistics. The results of this study help us to understand that the type of correlation matrix and estimation method effects factor loadings and fit functions. Some suggested alternatives are to use either a limited information estimator for categorical variable analysis or multinomial full information estimators based on modern item response theory.