Purpose of the Course

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with basic design, implementation, and interpretation of structural equation modeling.

Course Goals

1. Understand basic SEM design and interpret SEM models.
2. Know how to develop SEM models from Theoretical Frameworks and Research Goals
3. Understand, implement, and interpret basic applications of SEM
4. Understand both programming and graphical interfaces of SEM
5. Understand generalized causal inference
6. Understand, analyze and evaluate SEM Models

Strengths of SEM over other multivariate procedures

1. confirmatory rather than exploratory
2. because of #1, inferences can be drawn from the analysis (contrasted with descriptive nature of other multivariate procedures)
3. includes estimates of measurement errors
4. analysis incorporates both observed and unobserved variables

Essentially, SEM simultaneously incorporates both factor analysis (how multiple measurements load to a smaller number of factors) and path analysis (how constructs are related to each other).

Articles for SEM

The following are articles that use or discuss SEM. These are fast becoming prevalent methodologies. As an academic and professional in your field, you should begin to read and understand these with some ease.

Cunningham, E. G. & Wang, W. C. (2005). Using Amos graphics to enhance the understanding and communication of multiple regression. In IASE/ISI Satellite Conference - Statistics Education and the Communication of Statistics Sydney, Australia: International Association for Statistics Education.

Grant, A. M. & Campbell, E. M. (2007). Doing good, doing harm, being well and burning out: The interactions of perceived prosocial and antisocial impact in service work. Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology, 80, 665-691.

Hong, E. (1998). Differential stability of state and trait self-regulation in academic performance. Journal of Educational Research, 91, 148.

Sigfusdottir, I. D., Asgeirsdottir, B. B., Gudjonsson, G. H., & Sigurdsson, J. F. (2008). A Model of Sexual Abuse's Effects on Suicidal Behavior and Delinquency: The Role of Emotions as Mediating Factors. Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 37, 699-712.

Tu, Y. K., Baelum, V., & Gilthorpe, M. S. (2008). A structural equation modelling approach to the analysis of change. European Journal of Oral Sciences, 116, 291-296.