Abstract: Recent cutoff criteria for goodness of fit indices in structural equation analysis proposed by Hu and Bentler (1998, 1999) were discussed. After reviewing their recommended 7 indexes, we demonstrated the inappropriateness of their single index or 2-index combinational rules. Subsequently we proposed that a new rule based on Chi-square test at a certain extremely low significant level was more useful for their purposes. Comparing with Hu and Bentler's rules, we showed that our proposed rule is better and more appropriate. Finally, we discussed guidelines on ways to evaluate a fitted model or to compare alternative models.

Key words: structural equation, model testing, fit index, cutoff value, Chi-square test