Compile a theory to lavaan model syntax — tf_compile

Compiles a theory's constructs and propositions into a lavaan model string: constructs with measurement indicators become a latent measurement model (=~), and propositions become structural paths (~), covariances (~~), or moderation comment lines. The output is deterministic.

Usage

tf_compile_sem(theory)

Arguments

theory: A theory object (named list), e.g. from tf_read().

Value

The lavaan model syntax as a single string (LF line endings, single trailing newline).

Examples

theory <- tf_theory("demo-1", "A demonstration theory") |>
  tf_add_construct("c_arousal", "Arousal", "Bodily activation.",
                   measurement = c("heart-rate variability",
                                   "self-reported arousal")) |>
  tf_add_construct("c_threat", "Perceived threat", "Appraised danger.",
                   measurement = c("threat appraisal questionnaire")) |>
  tf_add_proposition("p1", "c_arousal", "c_threat", "increases")
cat(tf_compile_sem(theory))
#> # lavaan model generated by theoryforge for demo-1
#> # Measurement model
#> c_arousal =~ heart_rate_variability + self_reported_arousal
#> c_threat =~ threat_appraisal_questionnaire
#> # Structural model
#> c_threat ~ c_arousal