Table 3 Comparison between Mplus and RStudio
Consideration | Mplus  | R / RStudio  |
|---|---|---|
Flexibility in settings running models  | Restricted to options available in Mplus | Flexible and customizable with a number of available packages to address various stages of modelling and user-led customization of the model run(s) |
Flexibility in model reporting  | Restricted to standardised output options | Flexible and customizable |
Flexibility in results presentation for academic publication  | Requires the results to be copied/extracted from Mplus, pasted and edited for the final document | Highly customizable with functionalities for preparation of submission ready output formats |
Reproducibility of the results  | Reduced due to locked-in Mplus environment | Reproducible with no restrictions, as model generation and reporting can be integrated in results |
Syntax  | The factor structure needs to be defined manually. A syntax generator is available separately | Factor structure can be either defined manually or can be automated with multi modelling functionalities and nested model runs |
Cost  | Mplus license is required | R and RStudio is free for academic purposes |