Statistical Analysis Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [structural-equation-modeling]

Structural Equation Modeling is a multivariate technique. It is based on formulating a set of linear relations between variables, some of which may be latent, and estimating the whole system, typically by analyzing the covariance matrix of the observed variables.

Structural Equation Modeling is a multivariate technique popular in the social sciences. SEM generalizes path analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Positing a set of relationships amongst the manifest variables, and possibly latent variables, implies a population covariance / correlation matrix amongst the manifest variables. Thus, the system can be estimated from sample data and its fit tested.

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Introduction to structural equation modeling

I am asked by colleagues some help in this subject, that I don’t really know. They made hypotheses on the role of some latent variables in one study, and a referee asked them to formalize this in SEM. As what they need doesn’t seem too difficult, I…
Elvis
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Whether to use structural equation modelling to analyse observational studies in psychology

I've noticed this issue coming up a lot in statistical consulting settings and i was keen to get your thoughts. Context I often speak to research students that have conducted a study approximately as follows: Observational study Sample size might…
Jeromy Anglim
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Structural Equation Models (SEMs) versus Bayesian Networks (BNs)

The terminology here is a mess. "Structural equation" is about as vague as "architectural bridge" and "Bayesian network" is not intrinsically Bayesian. Even better, God-of-causality Judea Pearl says that the two schools of models are almost…
zkurtz
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R package for multilevel structural equation modeling?

I want to test a multi-stage path model (e.g., A predicts B, B predicts C, C predicts D) where all of my variables are individual observations nested within groups. So far I've been doing this through multiple unique multilevel analysis in R. I…
Steven L. Johnson
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What is the "partial" in partial least squares methods?

In partial least squares regression (PLSR) or partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), what does the term "partial" refer to?
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What is the difference between formative and reflective measurement models?

Can anyone provide examples as to why choose one over the other? Are they calculated diferently?
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Difference Between Simultaneous Equation Model and Structural Equation Model

Can anybody please help me to understand what are the differences between Simultaneous Equation Model and Structural Equation Model (SEM)? It will be great if somebody can provide me some literature on it. Also, is there any literature where SEM has…
Beta
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Structural equations: how to specify interaction effects in R lavaan package

I am using R lavaan package to estimate a structural equation model. Let's say the model consists of 1 endogenous manifest variable with 1 latent and 2 manifest explanatory variables: group = {0,1} attitude1 = latent,scale age = respondent's…
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What graphical techniques are used in Structural Equation Modeling?

I'm curious if there are graphical techniques particular, or more applicable, to structural equation modeling. I guess this could fall into categories for exploratory tools for covariance analysis or graphical diagnostics for SEM model evaluation. …
ars
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Complications of having a very small sample in a structural equation model

I am running a structural equation model (SEM) in Amos 18. I was looking for 100 participants for my experiment (used loosely), which was deemed to be probably not enough to conduct successful SEM. I've been told repeatedly that SEM (along with EFA,…
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Sum of rating scores vs estimated factor scores?

I'd be interested to receive suggestions about when to use "factor scores" over plain sum of scores when constructing scales. I.e. "Refined" over "non-refined" methods of scoring a factor. From DiStefano et al. (2009; pdf), emphasis added: There…
Eric Green
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Difference between PLS regression and PLS path modeling. Criticism of PLS

This question was asked here but no one gave a good answer. So I think it's a good idea to bring it up again and also I would like to add some more comments/questions. The first question is what is the difference between "PLS path modeling" and…
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What's the difference between a MIMIC factor and a composite with indicators (SEM)?

In structural equation modeling with latent variables (SEM), a common model formulation is "Multiple Indicator, Multiple Cause" (MIMIC) where a latent variable is caused by some variables and reflected by others. Here's a simple…
dmp
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How do I interpret lavaan output?

I am attempting confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using lavaan. I am having a hard time interpreting the output produced by lavaan. I have a simple model - 4 factors each supported by items from collected survey data. The factors are in line with…
Judy
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Choice of path weights in SEM conceptual models for identical & fraternal twins using openMx

I am reviewing the R package OpenMx for a genetic epidemiology analysis in order to learn how to specify and fit SEM models. I am new to this so bear with me. I am following the example on page 59 of the OpenMx User Guide. Here they draw the…
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