Testing for the equivalence of factor covariance and mean structures: The issue of partial measurement invariance.

Addresses issues related to partial measurement in variance using a tutorial approach based on the LISREL confirmatory factor analytic model. Specifically, we demonstrate procedures for (a) using "sensitivity analyses " to establish stable and substantively well-fitting baseline models, (b) determining partially invariant measurement parameters, and (c) testing for the invariance of factor covariance and mean structures, given partial measurement invariance. We also show, explicitly, the transformation of parameters from an all-^fto an all-y model specification, for purposes of testing mean structures. These procedures are illustrated with multidimensional self-concept data from low ( « = 248) and high (n = 582) academically tracked high school adolescents. An important assumption in testing for mean differences is that the measurement (Drasgow & Kanfer, 1985; Labouvie,