ABSTRACT
A family of statistical techniques that has risen in popularity in conjunction with the availability of computing power and software is that of structural equation modelling (SEM). This chapter will provide an introduction to the basic principles of SEM analysis by constructing and fitting an example model. Current issues in SEM will be discussed, including estimation method, model-data fit evaluation, and use of parcelling in SEM. Owing to the wide variety of models available, the emphasis of the chapter will be upon the universal assumptions and principles of SEM, although a specific discussion of SEM analysis with mean structure and Bayesian SEM will also be included.
