latent growth curve analysis for two-wave (pretest and posttest) data

Posted by E. Bernardo on Nov 27, 2012; 6:12am
URL: http://spssx-discussion.165.s1.nabble.com/latent-growth-curve-analysis-for-two-wave-pretest-and-posttest-data-tp5716485.html

There are two groups (experimental and control groups), each with n=100.  Subjects are randomly assigned to experimental and control group.  Pre-test was administered to each group, while posttest (same questionnaire used in the pretest) was administered after the intervention after several months.  The test scores are latent variables.  Considering that it is only a two-wave data, can we use latent growth curve(LCG) analysis for testing the following: (1) relationship between pretest score (intercept) and rate of change (slope) in scores(from pretest to posttest); (2) effect of the intervention program (experimental versus control) on the slope; and (3) effect of some demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, civil status) on the relationship between intervention program and slope.

If LGC is not appropriate for two-wave data, please explain why?

Comments are welcome.

Eins