Psychology Methods Hour: Modeling and unpacking developmental change to capture what is happening underneath the surface

My presentation will focus on an analytical technique, which builds on Markov Chain Methods, for “unpacking” differential speed in growth, where differential speed could be curvature in a single trajectory or differences in growth between two or more trajectories. Here “unpacking” refers to decomposing differential speed in growth into two discrete pieces: 1) growth differences in the rate of entry, and 2) growth differences in the rate of exits. As part of this presentation, I will also provide the conceptual/substantive motivation for such an “unpacking”. My hope is that this presentation will lead to a broader discussion of the analytical technique, including its merits, limitations, and potential applicability.