A simplified introduction to path analysis, this article discusses the following: (1) basic rules, assumptions, and procedures; (2) strengths and weaknesses of the technique; (3) special considerations; (4) examples of path analysis in educational research; and (5) guidelines for constructing diagrams. (MCG)

The use of structural equation modelling in curriculum evaluation is discussed in two stages: first, a process model for curriculum evaluation from instructional theory is derived; second, the structural equation model derived from the process analysis and its applications to curriculum evaluation are described. (BW)

Presents an approach (designed for beginners) to using PROC CALIS, a Statistical Analysis System (SAS) procedure, to perform path analyses using observed variables. The approach begins with the development of a figure to illustrate the researcher's theoretical model, and then converts the figure into a PROC CALIS program. (SLD)

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)

Direct and indirect effects in decomposed zero-order correlations among variables in causal models are considered. Under certain circumstances, the components of the decompositions could be interpreted as direct, indirect, and spurious causal effects, plus a component called joint associations. The sum of the direct and indirect effects is the…

Tries to develop a method for empirical evaluations of the impact of a school system on measurable cognitive and affective outcomes in students. Concentrates on the Partial Least Squares (PLS) methodology, and illustrates the potential of PLS for system analysis. (BW)