: The book explains how SEM accommodates unobservable theory constructs (like "intelligence" or "satisfaction") through latent variables, which is a critical feature for social science research.
: Contemporary methods that expand SEM's ability to map complex, naturally occurring networks. Key Technical Insights
: It traces SEM back to the natural sciences, specifically biology and Sewall Wright’s (1921) path analysis , which was developed to make sense of diverse biological observations. Structural Equation Models: From Paths to Networks
: The text covers the full range of SEM, including:
: Discussed extensively, including its differences from PLS regression. : The book explains how SEM accommodates unobservable
: Chapters 4 and 5 provide detailed guidelines for data preparation and sample size calculations when using Likert scales instead of continuous metrics.
: Often associated with software like LISREL or Mplus . : The text covers the full range of
: Westland is known for a critical stance on certain methods; for instance, he famously characterizes PLS path modeling as potentially problematic for researchers interested in "bogus theories with random data". Practical Resource Information Structural Equation Models: From Paths to Networks