An analytical technique within the structural equation modeling framework to examine longitudinal change over time. It considers change over time in terms of an underlying, latent, or unobserved variable. It can represent unique curves for individuals or groups. It is also flexible in that a latent growth curve analysis can analyze and model a range of parameters all at once, starting with a single growth trajectory with a single variable to more complex models with several variables.
Murphy, K., Sloper, M., Berry, T. (2014). Innovative Statistical Solutions for Evaluation Data: Latent Growth Curve Modeling to Examine Change Over Time. American Evaluation Association. https://comm.eval.org/HigherLogic/System/DownloadDocumentFile.ashx?DocumentFileKey=9402a686-aaba-48ae-b41c-361937b8cbf1
Methodology