Presents an algorithm for the production of a graphical diagram from a matrix formula in such a way that its components are logically and hierarchically arranged. The algorithm, which relies on the matrix equations of J. McArdle and R. McDonald (1984), calculates the individual path components of expected covariance between variables and…

Provides a comprehensive, nontechnical overview of the three maximum likelihood algorithms available for use with missing data and discusses multiple imputation, frequently used in conjunction with the EM algorithm. (SLD)

A rule is presented to identify the model in structural equation modeling. This rule includes the null B and recursive rules as extreme cases. Proof is given for the theorem. (SLD)

Describes a method for choosing rejection probabilities for the tests of independence that are used in constraint-based algorithms of exploratory path analysis. The method consists of generating a Markov or semi-Markov model from the equivalence class represented by a partial ancestral graph and then testing the d-separation implications. (SLD)

Evaluated the performance of several alternative cluster analytic approaches to initial model specification using population parameter analyses and a Monte Carlo simulation. Of the six cluster approaches evaluated, the one using the correlations of item correlations as a proximity metric and average linking as a clustering algorithm performed the…

Presents an application of latent growth curve methodology to the analysis of longitudinal developmental change in alcohol consumption of 586 young adults, illustrating three approaches to the analysis of missing data: (1) multiple-sample structural equation modeling procedures; (2) raw maximum likelihood analyses; and (3) multiple modeling and…