ABSTRACT
History of structural equation modeling Structural equation modeling software programs Structural equation modeling can be easily understood if the researcher has an understanding of basic statistics, correlations, and regression analysis. The first three chapters provide a brief introduction to structural equation modeling (SEM), basic data entry and editing issues in statistics, and concepts related to the use of correlation coefficients in structural equation modeling. Chapter 4 covers the basic concepts of SEM; model specification, identification, estimation, testing, and modification. This basic understanding provides the framework for understanding the material presented in chapters 5 through 8 on model fit indices and regression analysis, path analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis models (measurement models), which form the basis for understanding the structural equation models (latent variable models) presented in chapters 9 and 10. Chapter 11 provides guidance on reporting structural equation modeling research. Chapter 12 addresses techniques used to establish model validity and generalization of findings. Chapters 13 and 14 present basic SEM applications using Amos, EQS, and LISREL SEM software. The final chapter, chapter 15, presents matrix notation for some of these SEM applications and covers the eight matrices used in various structural equation models. We include an introduction to matrix operations in the Appendix for readers who want a more mathematical understanding of matrix operations.
