Abstract:

The models used in Latent Class Analysis and Latent Profile Analysis are collectively referred to as latent class models, a kind of statistical methods of classifying individuals according to their different response patterns in observation indicators, so as to identify population heterogeneity. It has attracted increasing attention from applied researchers in the fields of pedagogy, psychology, and other social science disciplines. However, it is not easy for most education researchers to understand the existing Chinese literature on the statistical principles and analytical procedures of such models. This paper systematically introduces the basic knowledge, statistical principles, analytical procedures and Mplus programs of latent class models, and clarifies various methods and selection strategies involved in the subsequent analysis of these models. It would help applied researchers enhance their understanding of the principles and methods of the latent class models, and promote the application of these models to educational research.

Key words: latent class model, Latent Class Analysis, Latent Profile Analysis, Latent Transition Analysis, category probability, conditional probability