This paper, in a fashion easy to follow, illustrates the interesting relationship between structural equation modeling and canonical correlation analysis. Although computationally somewhat inconvenient, representing canonical correlation as a structural equation model may provide some information which is not available from conventional canonical…

A case is made for representing quantitative methods in use in the social sciences within a unified framework based on structural equation methodology (SEM). Most of the methods now in use are shown in their SEM representation. It is suggested that the visual and verbal representations of SEM are of most use, while specific estimation and…

This paper presents a discussion of various statistical concepts and techniques in light of two propositions. The first is that researchers need to select analytical techniques that prevent them from committing Type VI errors, which are inconsistencies between the research question and the statistical analysis. The second is that many statistical…

This paper provides an introduction to basic issues concerning structural equation modeling (SEM), a research methodology increasingly being used in social science research. First, seven key issues that must be considered in any SEM analysis are explained. These include matrix of associations to analyze, model identification, parameter estimation…

In this paper the binomial index of model fit is applied to four path-analytic or structural-equation models to demonstrate how this goodness-of-fit measure can be used and interpreted. In addition, the conclusions derived from the results of the binomial index of goodness of fit were compared to the statements presented by the authors of the…

The influence of method of handling missing data on estimates produced by a structural equation model of the effects of part-time work on high-school student achievement was investigated. Missing data methods studied were listwise deletion, pairwise deletion, the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, regression, and response pattern. The 26…

Though common structural equation modeling (SEM) methods are predicated upon the assumption of multivariate normality, applied researchers often find themselves with data clearly violating this assumption and without sufficient sample size to use distribution-free estimation methods. Fortunately, promising alternatives are being integrated into…

Several goodness of fit (GOF) criteria have been developed to assist the researcher in interpreting structural equation models. However, the determination of GOF for structural equation models is not as straightforward as that for other statistical approaches in multivariate procedures. The four GOF criteria used across the commonly used…

This study investigated differences in freshmen to senior student general education gains across institutions of higher education, with varying patterns of general education requirements using a mixed-effect structural equation model. The subjects were 6,409 students at 34 colleges and universities nationwide. Study procedures used American…