Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling

Music City Center 

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a very general and flexible multivariate technique that allows relations among variables to be examined. In practice, SEM is often used to model and test hypothesized causal relationships among observed and latent (not directly observed) variables, thereby answering a wide range of research questions. This talk will provide an overview of the SEM framework, including introducing its theoretical foundations, defining terminology and notation, explaining its differences and similarities with other modeling approaches, and reviewing the classic estimation process. Finally, examples of research questions for which SEM is a useful method, including those related to measurement, complex patterns of effects, and testing competing hypotheses, will be introduced.

structural equation modeling

SEM