"This accessible volume presents both the mechanics of structural equation modeling (SEM) and specific SEM strategies and applications. The editor, along with an international group of contributors, and editorial advisory board are leading methodologists who have organized the book to move from simpler material to more statistically complex modeling approaches. Sections cover the foundations of SEM; statistical underpinnings, from assumptions to model modifications; steps in implementation, from data preparation through writing the SEM report; and basic and advanced applications, including new and emerging topics in SEM. Each chapter provides conceptually oriented descriptions, fully explicated analyses, and engaging examples that reveal modeling possibilities for use with readers' data. Many of the chapters also include access to data and syntax files at the companion website, allowing readers to try their hands at reproducing the authors' results"--

Structural equation modelling (SEM) is a technique that is used to estimate, analyse and test models that specify relationships among variables. The ability to conduct such analyses is essential for many problems in ecology and evolutionary biology. This book begins by explaining the theory behind the statistical methodology, including chapters on conceptual issues, the implementation of an SEM study and the history of the development of SEM. The second section provides examples of analyses on biological data including multi-group models, means models, P-technique and time-series. The final section of the book deals with computer applications and contrasts three popular SEM software packages. Aimed specifically at biological researchers and graduate students, this book will serve as valuable resource for both learning and teaching the SEM methodology. Moreover, data sets and programs that are presented in the book can also be downloaded from a website to assist the learning process.

Presents a useful guide for applications of SEM whilst systematically demonstrating various SEM models using Mplus Focusing on the conceptual and practical aspects of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this book demonstrates basic concepts and examples of various SEM models, along with updates on many advanced methods, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with categorical items, bifactor model, Bayesian CFA model, item response theory (IRT) model, graded response model (GRM), multiple imputation (MI) of missing values, plausible values of latent variables, moderated mediation model, Bayesian SEM, latent growth modeling (LGM) with individually varying times of observations, dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM), residual dynamic structural equation modeling (RDSEM), testing measurement invariance of instrument with categorical variables, longitudinal latent class analysis (LLCA), latent transition analysis (LTA), growth mixture modeling (GMM) with covariates and distal outcome, manual implementation of the BCH method and the three-step method for mixture modeling, Monte Carlo simulation power analysis for various SEM models, and estimate sample size for latent class analysis (LCA) model. The statistical modeling program Mplus Version 8.2 is featured with all models updated. It provides researchers with a flexible tool that allows them to analyze data with an easy-to-use interface and graphical displays of data and analysis results. Intended as both a teaching resource and a reference guide, and written in non-mathematical terms, Structural Equation Modeling: Applications Using Mplus, 2nd edition provides step-by-step instructions of model specification, estimation, evaluation, and modification. Chapters cover: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA); Structural Equation Models (SEM); SEM for Longitudinal Data; Multi-Group Models; Mixture Models; and Power Analysis and Sample Size Estimate for SEM. Presents a useful reference guide for applications of SEM while systematically demonstrating various advanced SEM models Discusses and demonstrates various SEM models using both cross-sectional and longitudinal data with both continuous and categorical outcomes Provides step-by-step instructions of model specification and estimation, as well as detailed interpretation of Mplus results using real data sets Introduces different methods for sample size estimate and statistical power analysis for SEM Structural Equation Modeling is an excellent book for researchers and graduate students of SEM who want to understand the theory and learn how to build their own SEM models using Mplus.

Modeled after Barbara Byrne’s other best-selling structural equation modeling (SEM) books, this practical guide reviews the basic concepts and applications of SEM using Mplus Versions 5 & 6. The author reviews SEM applications based on actual data taken from her own research. Using non-mathematical language, it is written for the novice SEM user. With each application chapter, the author "walks" the reader through all steps involved in testing the SEM model including: an explanation of the issues addressed illustrated and annotated testing of the hypothesized and post hoc models explanation and interpretation of all Mplus input and output files important caveats pertinent to the SEM application under study a description of the data and reference upon which the model was based the corresponding data and syntax files available under "Supplementary Material" below The first two chapters introduce the fundamental concepts of SEM and important basics of the Mplus program. The remaining chapters focus on SEM applications and include a variety of SEM models presented within the context of three sections: Single-group analyses, Multiple-group analyses, and other important topics, the latter of which includes the multitrait-multimethod, latent growth curve, and multilevel models. Intended for researchers, practitioners, and students who use SEM and Mplus, this book is an ideal resource for graduate level courses on SEM taught in psychology, education, business, and other social and health sciences and/or as a supplement for courses on applied statistics, multivariate statistics, intermediate or advanced statistics, and/or research design. Appropriate for those with limited exposure to SEM or Mplus, a prerequisite of basic statistics through regression analysis is recommended.

Significantly revised, the fifth edition of the most complete, accessible text now covers all three approaches to structural equation modeling (SEM)--covariance-based SEM, nonparametric SEM (Pearl’s structural causal model), and composite SEM (partial least squares path modeling). With increased emphasis on freely available software tools such as the R lavaan package, the text uses data examples from multiple disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of all phases of SEM--what to know, best practices, and pitfalls to avoid. It includes exercises with answers, rules to remember, topic boxes, and a new self-test on significance testing, regression, and psychometrics. The companion website supplies helpful primers on these topics as well as data, syntax, and output for the book's examples, in files that can be opened with any basic text editor. New to This Edition *Chapters on composite SEM, also called partial least squares path modeling or variance-based SEM; conducting SEM analyses in small samples; and recent developments in mediation analysis. *Coverage of new reporting standards for SEM analyses; piecewise SEM, also called confirmatory path analysis; comparing alternative models fitted to the same data; and issues in multiple-group SEM. *Extended tutorials on techniques for dealing with missing data in SEM and instrumental variable methods to deal with confounding of target causal effects. Pedagogical Features *New self-test of knowledge about background topics (significance testing, regression, and psychometrics) with scoring key and online primers. *End-of-chapter suggestions for further reading and exercises with answers. *Troublesome examples from real data, with guidance for handling typical problems in analyses. *Topic boxes on special issues and boxed rules to remember. *Website promoting a learn-by-doing approach, including data, extensively annotated syntax, and output files for all the book’s detailed examples.

Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling serves as a minimally technical overview of multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) for applied researchers and advanced graduate students in the social sciences. As the first book of its kind, this title is an accessible, hands-on introduction for beginners of the topic. The authors predict a growth in this area, fueled by both data availability and also the availability of new and improved software to run these models. The applied approach, combined with a graphical presentation style and minimal reliance on complex matrix algebra guarantee that this volume will be useful to social science graduate students wanting to utilize such models.

There has been considerable attention to making the methodologies of structural equation modeling available to researchers, practitioners, and students along with commonly used software. Structural Equation Modelling Using R/SAS aims to bring it all together to provide a concise point-of-reference for the most commonly used structural equation modeling from the fundamental level to the advanced level. This book is intended to contribute to the rapid development in structural equation modeling and its applications to real-world data. Straightforward explanations of the statistical theory and models related to structural equation models are provided, using a compilation of a variety of publicly available data, to provide an illustration of data analytics in a step-by-step fashion using commonly used statistical software of R and SAS. This book is appropriate for anyone who is interested in learning and practicing structural equation modeling, especially in using R and SAS. It is useful for applied statisticians, data scientists and practitioners, applied statistical analysts and scientists in public health, and academic researchers and graduate students in statistics, whilst also being of use to R&D professionals/practitioners in industry and governmental agencies. Key Features: Extensive compilation of commonly used structural equation models and methods from fundamental to advanced levels Straightforward explanations of the theory related to the structural equation models Compilation of a variety of publicly available data Step-by-step illustrations of data analysis using commonly used statistical software R and SAS Data and computer programs are available for readers to replicate and implement the new methods to better understand the book contents and for future applications Handbook for applied statisticians and practitioners

Noted for its crystal clear explanations, this book is considered the most comprehensive introductory text to structural equation modeling (SEM). Noted for its thorough review of basic concepts and a wide variety of models, this book better prepares readers to apply SEM to a variety of research questions. Programming details and the use of algebra are kept to a minimum to help readers easily grasp the concepts so they can conduct their own analysis and critique related research. Featuring a greater emphasis on statistical power and model validation than other texts, each chapter features key concepts, examples from various disciplines, tables and figures, a summary, and exercises. Highlights of the extensively revised 4th edition include: -Uses different SEM software (not just Lisrel) including Amos, EQS, LISREL, Mplus, and R to demonstrate applications. -Detailed introduction to the statistical methods related to SEM including correlation, regression, and factor analysis to maximize understanding (Chs. 1 – 6). -The 5 step approach to modeling data (specification, identification, estimation, testing, and modification) is now covered in more detail and prior to the modeling chapters to provide a more coherent view of how to create models and interpret results (ch. 7). -More discussion of hypothesis testing, power, sampling, effect sizes, and model fit, critical topics for beginning modelers (ch. 7). - Each model chapter now focuses on one technique to enhance understanding by providing more description, assumptions, and interpretation of results, and an exercise related to analysis and output (Chs. 8 -15). -The use of SPSS AMOS diagrams to describe the theoretical models. -The key features of each of the software packages (Ch. 1). -Guidelines for reporting SEM research (Ch. 16). -www.routledge.com/9781138811935 which provides access to data sets that can be used with any program, links to other SEM examples, related readings, and journal articles, and more. Reorganized, the new edition begins with a more detailed introduction to SEM including the various software packages available, followed by chapters on data entry and editing, and correlation which is critical to understanding how missing data, non-normality, measurement, and restriction of range in scores affects SEM analysis. Multiple regression, path, and factor models are then reviewed and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis is introduced. These chapters demonstrate how observed variables share variance in defining a latent variables and introduce how measurement error can be removed from observed variables. Chapter 7 details the 5 SEM modeling steps including model specification, identification, estimation, testing, and modification along with a discussion of hypothesis testing and the related issues of power, and sample and effect sizes.Chapters 8 to 15 provide comprehensive introductions to different SEM models including Multiple Group, Second-Order CFA, Dynamic Factor, Multiple-Indicator Multiple-Cause, Mixed Variable and Mixture, Multi-Level, Latent Growth, and SEM Interaction Models. Each of the 5 SEM modeling steps is explained for each model along with an application. Chapter exercises provide practice with and enhance understanding of the analysis of each model. The book concludes with a review of SEM guidelines for reporting research. Designed for introductory graduate courses in structural equation modeling, factor analysis, advanced, multivariate, or applied statistics, quantitative techniques, or statistics II taught in psychology, education, business, and the social and healthcare sciences, this practical book also appeals to researchers in these disciplines. Prerequisites include an introduction to intermediate statistics that covers correlation and regression principles.

New to This Edition *Extensively revised to cover important new topics: Pearl' s graphing theory and SCM, causal inference frameworks, conditional process modeling, path models for longitudinal data, item response theory, and more. *Chapters on best practices in all stages of SEM, measurement invariance in confirmatory factor analysis, and significance testing issues and bootstrapping. *Expanded coverage of psychometrics. *Additional computer tools: online files for all detailed examples, previously provided in EQS, LISREL, and Mplus, are now also given in Amos, Stata, and R (lavaan). *Reorganized to cover the specification, identification, and analysis of observed variable models separately from latent variable models. Pedagogical Features *Exercises with answers, plus end-of-chapter annotated lists of further reading. *Real examplesof troublesome data, demonstrating how to handle typical problems in analyses.

Beloved for its engaging, conversational style, this valuable book is now in a fully updated second edition that presents the latest developments in longitudinal structural equation modeling (SEM) and new chapters on missing data, the random intercepts cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), longitudinal mixture modeling, and Bayesian SEM. Emphasizing a decision-making approach, leading methodologist Todd D. Little describes the steps of modeling a longitudinal change process. He explains the big picture and technical how-tos of using longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis, longitudinal panel models, and hybrid models for analyzing within-person change. User-friendly features include equation boxes that translate all the elements in every equation, tips on what does and doesn't work, end-of-chapter glossaries, and annotated suggestions for further reading. The companion website provides data sets for the examples--including studies of bullying and victimization, adolescents' emotions, and healthy aging--along with syntax and output, chapter quizzes, and the book’s figures. New to This Edition: *Chapter on missing data, with a spotlight on planned missing data designs and the R-based package PcAux. *Chapter on longitudinal mixture modeling, with Whitney Moore. *Chapter on the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), with Danny Osborne. *Chapter on Bayesian SEM, with Mauricio Garnier. *Revised throughout with new developments and discussions, such as how to test models of experimental effects.