free parameter

free parameter

a value that is estimated from data, usually in a modeling procedure such as structural equation modeling. A free parameter contrasts with a fixed parameter, which is kept at a known, specific value. For example, in confirmatory factor analysis, one factor loading for each latent variable is usually a fixed parameter of 1.0 and the other loadings are free parameters that are estimated.

Category Psychology Term

Definitions 1

First Letter F

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