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Classifying life course trajectories: A comparison of latent class and sequence analysis

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  • Nicola Barban
  • Francesco Billari

Abstract

In this article we compare two techniques that are widely used in the analysis of life course trajectories, latent class analysis (LCA) and sequence analysis (SA). In particular, we focus on the use of these techniques as devices to obtain classes of individual life course trajectories. We first compare the consistency of the classification obtained via the two techniques using an actual dataset on the life course trajectories of young adults. Then, we adopt a simulation approach to measure the ability of these two methods to correctly classify groups of life course trajectories when specific forms of "random" variability are introduced within pre-specified classes in an artificial dataset. In order to do so, we introduce simulation operators that have a life course and/or observational meaning. Our results contribute on the one hand to outline the usefulness and robustness of findings based on the classification of life course trajectories through LCA and SA, on the other hand to illuminate the potential pitfalls of actual applications of these techniques.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola Barban & Francesco Billari, 2011. "Classifying life course trajectories: A comparison of latent class and sequence analysis," Working Papers 041, "Carlo F. Dondena" Centre for Research on Social Dynamics (DONDENA), Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi.
    • Handle: RePEc:don:donwpa:041
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christian Brzinsky-Fay & Ulrich Kohler, 2010. "New Developments in Sequence Analysis," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 38(3), pages 359-364, February.
    2. Jenifer Hamil-Luker & Angela O’rand, 2007. "Gender differences in the link between childhood socioeconomic conditions and heart attack risk in adulthood," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 44(1), pages 137-158, February.
    3. Liesbeth Bruckers & Jan Serroyen & Geert Molenberghs & Herman Slaets & Willem Goeyvaerts, 2010. "Latent class analysis of persistent disturbing behaviour patients by using longitudinal profiles," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series C, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 59(3), pages 495-512, May.
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    Keywords

    sequence analysis; latent class analysis; life course analysis; categorical time series;
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