Swiss Summer School 1998

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Peter Schmidt

Peter Schmidt is Professor for Social Research at the University of Giessen. Presently, Program Director at ZUMA (Centre for Survey Research and Methodology, Mannheim, Germany), responsible for Social Monitoring, (General Social Survey, Social indicators, and Microcensus Data). His research interests are the foundations and applications of structural equation models, analysis of panel data, and empirical testing of rational choice theory. Applications include national identity and environmental behavior, topics on which he has published several books and papers.

Workshop contents and objectives

The course will show how a causal theory can be represented by a path diagram and translated into a structural equation model and how the model can be estimated and tested with the AMOS computer program. In the first part we will deal with measurement models relating single or multiple indicators to latent variables. Furthermore different specifications of measurement models are tested via confirmatory factor analysis as a special case of a structural equation model. The second part comprises both the structural and the measurement model. Topics include recursive vs. non-recursive models for the structural part of the model, treatment of panel data and multiple-group comparisons. Special attention is given to the process of model modification.

Objectives

The objective of this course is to show how structural equation modeling can be used to develop and/or test both measurement models and causal theories between latent variables. A further important aim is to familiarize participants with the AMOS program. The program will be run by graphical input via path diagrams (AMOS Graphics) and by command language (AMOS Text).

A student version of AMOS is available via internet: Smallwaters

Bibliography

Basic text/overview
Schumacker, R.E. and Lomax, R.G. (1996): A Beginner's Guide to Structural Equation Modeling. Erlbaum. Paperback.

Arbuckle, J.L. (1996): AMOS User's Guide. Erlbaum. [Whenever possible you should bring this book with you as it will be intesively used during the exercices.]

Remedial Reading
Reinecke, J., Schmidt, P. and Ajzen, I. (1996): Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Adolescents' Condom Use: A Panel Study. In: Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 26: 749-772.

Scherpenzeel, A.C. and Saris, W.E. (1997): The Validity and Reliability of Survey Questions. Social Methods and Research, 25: 347-383.

Van den Putte, B. and Hoogstraten, J. (1997): Applying Structural Equation Modeling in the Context of the Theory of Reasoned Action: Some Problems and Solutions. Structural Equation Modeliung. A Multidisciplinary Journal, 4: 320-337.

For German speaking participants: WWW-address of ZUMA: and especially for the ZUMA Information System

 

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