saturated model

a model that fits the data perfectly because it has as many estimated parameters as there are values to be fitted. In structural equation modeling, this type of model poses a problem because a researcher cannot evaluate fit. Relatedly, the unsaturated model has more parameters than can be estimated from the available data. In factor analysis, the problem of saturation occurs when the number of factors that will be estimated is the same as the number of variables in the data set.

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Psychology term of the day

January 27th 2025

sterility

1. the condition of being incapable of producing offspring, because of either infertility or surgical or medical intervention (see sterilization).

2. the condition of being incapable of supporting microbial life because of treatment with chemicals, radiation, or heat. —sterile adj.