Beware the default: some statistical packages correlate model errors automatically

In this brief report, we show that when performing structural equation modeling, substantive conclusions may differ drastically depending on the statistical program that is used. This can occur because some programs assume that certain model errors are correlated by default, whereas others do not. We argue that the uncritical use of statistical software can lead to situations in which incorrect inferences are made.

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Publication Details

Journal
Communication Research Reports
Published
2026-03-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/08824096.2026.2648242
Primary Topic
Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Beware the default: some statistical packages correlate model errors automatically

Franklin J. Boster, Brian Manata
Communication Research Reports
Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
article

Beware the default: some statistical packages correlate model errors automatically

Franklin J. Boster, Brian Manata
article en

Abstract

In this brief report, we show that when performing structural equation modeling, substantive conclusions may differ drastically depending on the statistical program that is used. This can occur because some programs assume that certain model errors are correlated by default, whereas others do not. We argue that the uncritical use of statistical software can lead to situations in which incorrect inferences are made.

Communication Research Reports
Pennsylvania State University (US), Michigan State University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
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