Latent Class Analysis
This course introduces the fundamental principles of Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Latent class analysis is a statistical method for identifying unmeasured class membership among participants using categorical and/or continuous observed variables (latent profile analysis). For example, you may wish to categorise people based on their drinking behaviours (observations) into different types of drinkers (latent classes). This could lead to finding categories such as abstainers, social drinkers, and alcohol abusers. You can use multinomial logistic regression to create models to predict why individual fall into a particular classes (e.g., why do people become alcohol abusers). LCA can be used in many disciplines such as Health Sciences, Psychology, Education, Business and Social Sciences.
The seminar uses Mplus software to demonstrate the implementation of latent class analysis and the course is run by Dr Daniel Boduszek who has used latent class analysis in his research. The Quantitative Research Methods Training Unit (QRM-TU) will also invite Associate Members to lead the training.
Course outline
- Why and when Latent Class Analysis is used
- Basic principles of Latent Class Analysis
- Latent Class Analysis in Mplus
- Multinomial Logistic Regression (how to work with covariates in relation to latent class models)
- Interpretation and reporting the Mplus output for publication purpose
- Practical session
Who should attend?
The course is designed for researchers and postgraduate students who are engaged in research with large data sets. The prerequisite for taking this seminar is basic knowledge of regression analysis. Researchers from economics, public health, epidemiology, psychology, sociology, social work, medical research, education, and similar disciplines are welcome.
Why Quantitative Research Methods Training Unit?
- We know that learning statistical analysis can be a daunting and unpleasant experience at times. This is why we present complicated procedures in a simple way, avoiding jargon and confusing mathematical formulas at all costs! We teach researchers everything they need to know about latent class analysis in order to finish their projects in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where they are helped and encouraged every step of the way.
- The uniqueness of Quantitative Research Methods Training Unit is the focus on the practical application of latent class analysis, not mathematical procedures.
- Dr Daniel Boduszek and Associate Members of QRM-TU have an extensive experience in the application of latent class analysis which is demonstrated by their research outputs.
- The course is delivered by means of lectures and practical sessions. All analyses are conducted under supervision of Dr Daniel Boduszek and three tutors (Dr Susie Kola, Dr Katie Dhingra, and Ms Kathryn Sharratt) to maximise learning outcomes (we offer a 1:5 instructor student ratio). Each course concludes with a question and answer session, and there is always the opportunity for participants to discuss their own studies with the tutors.
Location
The Quantitative Research Methods Training Unit (QRM-TU), Ramsden Building, University of Huddersfield.
Book now
To find out when the next training session will be held, please visit our online store where you can also book your place.