ABSTRACT

This chapter introduces background and historical information on how structural equation modeling (SEM) came to be developed. Then, the main differences between SEM and earlier multivariate methods are explained. The chapter describes three main applications of SEM: path analysis, factor analysis, and hybrid models. Some computer programs are recommended for these applications. The step-by-step section goes over how to estimate structural models with AMOS and R. The chapter concludes with two example applications of SEM in the planning field.