General piecewise growth mixture model: Word recognition development for different learners in different phases

Abstract

The General Piecewise Growth Mixture Model (GPGMM), without losing generality to other fields of study, can answer six crucial research questions regarding children's word recognition development. Using child word recognition data as an example, this study demonstrates the flexibility and versatility of the GPGMM in investigating growth trajectories that are potentially phasic and heterogeneous. The strengths and limitations of the GPGMM and lessons learned from this hands-on experience are discussed. © 2011 JMASM, Inc.