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Simple procedure to determine optimal number of classes in a latent-class model?

Ask questions about model specifications. Ideally include a mathematical explanation of your proposed model.
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TheChainsOfMarkov
Posts: 3
Joined: 28 Apr 2022, 20:09

Simple procedure to determine optimal number of classes in a latent-class model?

Post by TheChainsOfMarkov »

Hello Prof Hess

In latent class models, selecting the "right" number of classes is important, a procedure, as you know, often done by testing the BIC / AIC / etc of variously-sized models.

Because of the way models are specified, with the number of classes hard coded in both apollo_probabilities() and apollo_lcPars(), I suspect there may not be an easy way to do this in apollo yet. Is that correct?

Or is there a way to hard code, say, the maximum number of classes, N, one wants to test, and have apollo cycle through models with as few as 2 classes and as many as N—instead of creating N-1 hard-coded apollo_probabilities() and apollo-lcPars() functions and running them individually?

Thank you!
stephanehess
Site Admin
Posts: 974
Joined: 24 Apr 2020, 16:29

Re: Simple procedure to determine optimal number of classes in a latent-class model?

Post by stephanehess »

Hi

no, it is not possible to automate this at present

Stephane
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Stephane Hess
www.stephanehess.me.uk
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