Latent variable models involve the examination of one or more theorized but directly unobservable variables, such as ability, intelligence, or achievement. A latent variable cannot itself be directly measured, but instruments may be developed that allow one to observe the manifestation of the latent variable. Models that include one or more latent variables require complex mathematical computation to allow researchers to make decisions from the manifestations of the latent variable. My research in this area is related to the accurate estimation of relationships between latent and observed variables.