SEM Episode 1: Introduction to Structural Equation Models

In this episode of Office Hours, Patrick provides a general introduction to the structural equation model, or SEM. ...

Patrick begins with a general introduction of the SEM and describes the various kinds of statistical models that can be considered special cases of the SEM. He then builds a conceptual path model linking parent alcoholism to adolescent substance and uses this to describe different strengths of the SEM. He then introduces the six core components of any SEM: specification, identification, estimation, evaluation, respecification, and interpretation. He concludes by describing topics that additional episodes in the series will explore.

Bollen, K. A. (1989). Structural Equations with Latent Variables John Wiley & Sons New York.

Kline, R. B. (2015). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. Guilford publications.