The SEPATH structural equation modeling (SEM) software is a new module in the latest release of STATISTICA (version 5.0) for Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. SEPATH is a program that provides a comprehensive set of functions for the SEM modeling. The interface and the Monte Carlo capability are strong features. (SLD)

Relative fit indices using the null model as the reference point in computation may differ across estimation methods, as this article illustrates by comparing maximum likelihood, ordinary least squares, and generalized least squares estimation in structural equation modeling. The illustration uses a covariance matrix for six observed variables…

Multiple-group structural equation modeling was used to analyze structural relationships between latent factors underlying measures of handwriting, spelling, and composing for students in grades one through six. Results with 300 children show that the mechanical skills of writing may constrain the amount and quality of composing. (SLD)

Structural equation modeling of data from 4,034 Canadian adolescents yielded a factor composed of academic achievement, extracurricular reading, attitudes toward school and homework, and parental educational expectations that predicted 76% of variance in educational aspirations. Positive family climate and parental involvement fostered a positive…

Using two-level structural equation modeling, examined the dimensionality of socioeconomic status (SES) and its relationship with mathematics and science performance at student and school levels. Data from 13-year-olds from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study show that SES dimensions have different effects on mathematics and…

Developed a Bayesian approach for structural equation models with ignorable missing continuous and polytomous data that obtains joint Bayesian estimates of thresholds, structural parameters, and latent factor scores simultaneously. Illustrated the approach through analysis of a real data set of 20 patterns of condom use in the Philippines. (SLD)

A maximum-likelihood confirmatory factor analysis was performed by applying LISREL VII to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised results of a normal elderly sample of 225 adults. Results indicate that a three-factor model fits best across all sample combinations. A mild gender effect is discussed. (SLD)

Benefits and limitations of structural equation models for multivariate experiments with incomplete data are presented. Examples from studies of latent variable path models of cognitive performance illustrate analyses with latent variables, omitted variables, randomly missing data, and nonrandomly missing data. (SLD)

Describes method of analysis of the relation between working alliance and therapeutic outcome using hierarchical linear modeling. Results revealed a significant association between linear growth function of therapist ratings of working alliance and therapeutic outcome. Discusses need to conceptualize working alliance as a temporally variant, as…

Defines structural equation modeling as comprehensive, flexible approach to research design and data analysis. Provides conceptual overview of clinical research hypotheses that invite evaluation as structural equation models. Particular attention is devoted to hypotheses that are not adequately evaluated using traditional statistical models.…

Used structural equation modeling for comparative treatment outcome research conducted with heterogeneous clinical subpopulations within large multimodality treatment settings. Evaluated effect of early period of treatment on daily lives of 486 clients in 2 drug abuse treatment modalities (methadone maintenance and outpatient counseling).…

A Monte Carlo simulation study investigated the effects on 10 structural equation modeling fit indexes of sample size, estimation method, and model specification. Some fit indexes did not appear to be comparable, and it was apparent that estimation method strongly influenced almost all fit indexes examined, especially for misspecified models. (SLD)

Investigated the assumption that determining an adequate sample size in structural equation modeling can be aided by considering the number of parameters to be estimated. Findings from maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis support previous research on the effect of sample size, measured variable reliability, and the number of measured…

This study with 203 college students used structural equation analysis and found that the relationship between students' academic stress and course grades was influenced by problem-focused coping and motivation, but not by emotion-focused coping. Greater academic stress covaried with lower course grades. (DB)

Conducted a meta-analysis focusing on the explanation of empirical Type I error rates for six principal classes of estimators. Generally, chi-square tests for overall model fit were found to be sensitive to nonnormality and the size of the model for all estimators, with the possible exception of elliptical estimators with respect to model size and…