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OpenMx: An Open Source Extended Structural Equation Modeling Framework

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2025

Steven Boker*
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
Michael Neale
Affiliation:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Hermine Maes
Affiliation:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Michael Wilde
Affiliation:
University of Chicago, Argonne National Labs
Michael Spiegel
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
Timothy Brick
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
Jeffrey Spies
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
Ryne Estabrook
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
Sarah Kenny
Affiliation:
University of Chicago, Argonne National Labs
Timothy Bates
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh
Paras Mehta
Affiliation:
University of Houston
John Fox
Affiliation:
McMaster University
*
Correspondence may be addressed to Steven M. Boker, Department of Psychology, The University of Virginia, PO Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; email sent to [email protected]; or browsers pointed to http://openmx.psyc.virginia.edu

Abstract

OpenMx is free, full-featured, open source, structural equation modeling (SEM) software. OpenMx runs within the R statistical programming environment on Windows, Mac OS–X, and Linux computers. The rationale for developing OpenMx is discussed along with the philosophy behind the user interface. The OpenMx data structures are introduced—these novel structures define the user interface framework and provide new opportunities for model specification. Two short example scripts for the specification and fitting of a confirmatory factor model are next presented. We end with an abbreviated list of modeling applications available in OpenMx 1.0 and a discussion of directions for future development.

Type
Original Paper
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 The Psychometric Society

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