In factorial invariance analysis, a

In factorial invariance analysis, a baseline model needs to be established prior to any invariance constraints. Thus, the first step is to determine whether a one- or a two-factor model shouldbe adopted for each gender group. If the baseline model for each group is not the same, then theprocedure of factorial invariance analysis should not be conducted. On the other hand, if the baseline model for each group is the same, and cannot be rejected in each group, restrictive constraintscan then be imposed on the model. First, factor loadings were constrained to be equal across thegender groups to test for invariance of the factor loadings (Km = Kf). If the factor loading constrained model was acceptable, then unique variances of each item were constrained to be equalacross males and females (Hm = Hf). Finally, if factor loadings and unique variances of each itemwere equal across both groups, factor variance was constrained to be equal across gender (Um = Uf). For selection of both a one- or two-factor model, the analysis procedure wasthe same.