Introduction to Latent Variable Estimation

In this one-hour hybrid seminar, Dr Huiming Ding and Dr Eun Hye Kim from the University of Leeds will introduce the fundamentals of latent variable estimation. This is an essential tool for measuring unobserved constructs in social science research, often used for the development of multi-item indexes. Using examples from their work in education, medicine, and legal studies, they will demonstrate how latent variables can be modelled and interpreted to uncover deeper insights from complex data.

The session is ideal for researchers new to latent variable estimation interested in applying these methods across diverse fields. The seminar will be followed by a networking opportunity for in-person attendees.

Contributors

Dr Huiming Ding is a Lecturer in Assessment at the Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME), University of Leeds. With a PhD in Educational Assessment from Leeds, her expertise spans medical education assessment, psychometrics, quantitative and mixed-methods, and generative AI. She applies rigorous measurement techniques to enhance educational quality and teaches quantitative data analysis and assessment methodology to BSc and postgraduate students.

Dr Eun Hye Kim is a Lecturer in Law at the University of Leeds School of Law, within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Previously a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Copenhagen, she employs advanced quantitative and empirical legal methods to explore competition law, judicial decision-making, and administrative judicial review. Her work on European competition law was recognised with an ELFA (European Law Faculties Association) award in 2022.