Structural Equation Modeling and Path Analysis

Structural Equation Modeling and Path Analysis

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Structural equation modeling (SEM), a procedure for estimating a series of dependence relationships among a set of concepts or constructs represented by multiple measured variables and incorporated into an integrated model.

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Structural Equation Modeling: Distinctive Aspects 1.

Representation of constructs as unobservable or

latent factors in dependence relationships. 2. Estimation of multiple and interrelated dependence relationships incorporated in an integrated model. 3.

Incorporation of measurement error in an explicit manner.

4.

Explanation of the covariance among the observed variables. Copyright © 2019, 2010, 2007 by Pearson Education, Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Statistics Associated with SEM (1 of 7) Absolute fit indices These indices measure the overall goodness-of-fit or badness-of-fit for both the measurement and structural models. Average variancevalidity, extracted A measure used to assess convergent and discriminant which is defined as the variance in the indicators or observed variables that is explained by the latent construct. Chi-square difference statistic (Δχ2) A statistic used to compare two Chi-square competing, nested SEM models. It is calculated as the difference between models’inchi-square chi -square value. Its degrees of freedom equal thethe difference the models’ degrees of freedom. Communality Comm Communality unality is the variance variance of a measured measured variable variable that is explained by its construct. Composite reliability (CR CR)) It is defined as the total amount of true score variance in relation to the total score variance. Copyright © 2019, 2010, 2007 by Pearson Education, Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Statistics Associated with SEM (2 of 7) Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) A technique used to estimate the measurement model. It seeks to confirm if the number of factors (or constructs) and the loadings of observed (indicator) variables on them conform to what is expected on the basis of theory. Construct In SEM, a construct is a latent or unobservable concept that can be defined conceptually but that cannot be measured directly or without error. Also called a factor, a construct is measured by multiple indicators or observed variables. Endogenous constructs An endogenous construct is the latent, multiitem equivalent of a dependent variable. It is determined by constructs or variables within the model and, thus, it is dependent on other constructs. Estimated covariance matrix Denoted by Σk , it consists of the predicted predicte d covariances covariances between all observed observed variables variables based based on equations estimated in SEM. Copyright © 2019, 2010, 2007 by Pearson Education, Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.