A Cautionary Note on the Use of LISREL's Automatic Start Values in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Studies

The accuracy of parameter estimates provided by the major computer programs for confirmatory factor analysis studies is questioned. This note demonstrates an inconsistency in parameter estimates across two of the major programs (LISREL and EQS), with the incon sistency attributed to the use of LISREL VI'S automatic start values for the estimation of generalized least squares models.