This comment is intended to complement points made by Freedman in his critique of the path analysis method. The role of statistical analysis in social sciences is also discussed. (RB)

Comment agrees with Freedman's criticism of the path analysis model for studying education and social stratification. The model makes assumptions about how data are generated that are generally false. (RB)

This paper presents the finding of an investigation for determining course achievement utilizing the statistical technique of path analysis. (Author)

This paper reports on attempts by the author to construct a theoretical framework of adult education participation using a theory development process and the corresponding multivariate statistical techniques. Two problems are identified: the lack of theoretical framework in studying problems, and the limiting of statistical analysis to univariate…

Explains two methods of systems analysis: the Fix-Point (FP) and the Partial Least Squares (PLS). Argues against Freedman's rejection of the structural assumptions of path analysis models. (RB)

Freedman responds to a series of articles commenting on his critique of the path analysis model. The focus of this rejoinder is the assumptions made by researchers who use the path analysis method, particularly the assumption that the equations in path analysis are structural. (RB)

Family research has been hindered by a reliance on either empirical relationships or abstract theoretical claims. There has been no effective way to bridge the gap between statistical relationships and theoretical propositions. The application of linear structural equation models helps to bridge this gap. Empirical propositions are not developed.…

Makes a distinction in methodological work between building and applying statistical models for the processes that generate data for the social sciences and applying that data to available statistical methods. Agrees with Freeman that researchers need to think more about underlying social processes. (RB)

Discusses the application of path analysis in the context of genetic epidemiology. Examines the coherence of model specification, plausibility of modeling assumptions, the interpretability and usefulness of the model, and the validity of statistical procedures. (RB)

Presents a review of path analysis techniques using Hope's (1984) comparative study of schooling and social mobility in Scotland and the United States as a case study. Path analysis has been used in the social sciences to untangle complex cause and effect relationships. The limits of path analysis as a way to analyze complex social phenomena are…

Path analysis and linear structural relations (LISREL) provide the institutional researcher with some extremely powerful statistical tools. However, they must be applied and interpreted carefully with a full understanding of their limitations and the statistical assumptions on which they are based. (Author)

Presents methodological considerations in developing an automatic cheap algorithm for computerized path diagraming, gives some plotted results, and describes a program which produces the plots from an input matrix of path coefficients on a standard line printer. The program accommodates unidirectional and reciprocal causation and represents…

Given that theory is a crucial component of path analysis and that major theories in the social sciences either directly or by inference assume interaction, it appears that interaction has to be considered in path analytic models that reflect those theories. The use of interaction within the framework of path analytic methodology is investigated…

Examines seven articles that employed path analysis to test causal models of the acquisition of literacy or the reading-writing relationship. Reveals that, although such analysis holds promise for a better understanding of the components of literacy, several potential difficulties remain for those attempting to synthesize this body of literature.…

In response to the current shortage of rural physicians and the difficulties encountered in studying this problem, this paper attempts to apply a specific multivariate technique (path analysis) and the socioeconomic careers model of Featherman and others to the study of the physician's choice of practice location. The socioeconomic careers model…