Product Description

With the availability of software programs such as LISREL, EQS, and AMOS, modeling (SEM) techniques have become a popular tool for formalized presentation of the hypothesized relationships underlying correlational research and for testing the plausibility of hypothesizing for a particular data set. However, the popularity of these techniques has often led to misunderstandings of them, particularly by students being exposed to them for the first time. Through the use of careful narrative explanation, Maruyama's text describes the logic underlying SEM approaches, describes how SEM approaches relate to techniques like regression and factor analysis, analyzes the strengths and shortcomings of SEM as compared to alternative methodologies, and explores the various methodologies for analyzing structural equation data.

The book provides an overview and history of methods for path models, basic approaches to structural modeling confirmatory factor analysis techniques, measurement issues when multiple measures of theoretical variables are available, and latent variable structural equation modeling. Throughout the book, Maruyama uses a single data set (the relationships between peer acceptance and achievement) to demonstrate a variety of techniques ranging from path analysis to panel analysis to confirmatory analysis to latent variable structural equation modelling. In addition, Maruyama provides carefully constructed exercises both within and at the end of chapters so that readers can apply the material they've just read. This book will provide readers with a good understanding of how and why structural equation approaches have come to be used.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #142423 in Books
• Published on: 1997-09-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 328 pages

Review

"This book is a gentle introduction to the topic of structural equation modelling." 

-- Review

Review

"Overall, the book is a well-written introduction to structural equation modelling for people with a non-mathematical background. The stress is put on the logic of structural equation modelling and therefore it might be appreciated by more mathematical trained statisticians as well." 

(Oliver Thas The Statistician )

"This book is a gentle introduction to the topic of structural equation modelling." 

(Richard A. Chechile )

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Customer Reviews

Whatta book!
I'm working on my Ph.D. using SEM. This book was very, very helpful. In fact out of about 20 books that I used, this was the most simple and easy to understand.

Buy it!

simple and useful for beginners
It treats concepts that are usually quite hard to understand in a simple manner. Especially useful if you have some minimal background knowledge of: causal modeling, regression and factor analytic techniques. Otherwise, you risk to slide over some chapters without getting everything... Those who plan to use LISREL will have an advantage, since most examples are done with this software (but with Amos it shouldn't pose a problem to translate). Still, very worth.

great book for those who find McArdle/Loehlin tough reading
I'm a doctoral student in a longitudinal data analysis class and have really appreciated this book. I don't have the extensive stats background of some of my peers, and this book is very helpful as it explains matrix algebra, latent variable SEM etc. in a way I can understand. If you are struggling with reading the "classics" in this field, you want this book. (Of course, you do need some background in stats...at least thru multiple regression. It doesn't make SEM so easy that you don't need that!)