A hierarchical approach to multigroup factorial invariance

A procedure is presented which permits the analysis of factor analytic problems in which several groups exist. The analysis incorporates a hierarchical scheme of searching for factorial invariance and is an extension of Meredith's (1964) Method One procedure. By overlaying a contextual frame of reference on a traditional factor analysis solution, it is possible to use this technique to examine structural similarity and dissimilarity between groups. The procedure is exhibited in an example and in addition a comparison is made to discriminant analysis.