ABSTRACT
Path analysis is an extension of multiple regression. It focuses on the pattern of relationships among a set of variables rather than just on which IVs predict a DV and how strongly. Path analysis is essentially a technique to be used for confirmatory purposes, to determine which of two or more a priori theoretical models conforms best to the data. Path analysis begins with one or more input path diagrams, which specify proposed causal relationships among a set of variables. Path analysis proceeds by means of a series of regression analyses, beginning with the furthest right variable as the DV and all variables to its left that point at it as IVs.
