Structural Equation Modeling

Introductory Statistics Using R

Structural Equations with Latent Variables

Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis

Structural Equation Models
David R. Cross, Ph.D.

Course Overview

This course is a thorough introduction to structural equation models (SEM), using the open-source computational software R and OpenMx. Course objectives include the following:

  • Students will be able to read and understand published articles using SEM.
  • Students will become aware of the varied (appropriate) applications of SEM in the behavioral sciences.
  • Students will be able to analyze their own data using the R and OpenMx software packages.
  • Students will understand the conceptual foundations for appropriately analyzing data using SEM.

The instructor is available by appointment, and can be contacted by email (d.cross@tcu.edu). The textbooks for the course are:

  • Kline, R. B. (2011). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (3rd Ed.). Guilford. [REQUIRED]
  • Dalgaard, P. (2008). Introductory Statistics with R (2nd Ed.). Springer. [REQUIRED]
  • Bollen, K. A. (1989). Structural Equations with Latent Variables. Wiley. [RECOMMENDED]
  • Singer, J. D., & Willett, J. B. (2003). Applied longitudinal data analysis: Modeling change and event occurence. Oxford. [RECOMMENDED]

The course (PSYC 60643) is being offered during the fall term, and students are expected to turn in a total of eight assignments. In addition, students are expected to give two presentations to the class: One presentation on a published study using structural equation models models, and one presentation on a data analysis project conducted by the student. Each assignment is worth 10 points, and students must earn 85 points for an A, 70 points for a B, and so on.

Here are some helpful websites:

Students should have taken at least two courses in quantitative methods prior to enrolling in this class. The class meets 2–3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes Friday), according to the following schedule of topics and readings:

Part 1: Concepts and Tools

  • Kline: Chapters 1–4
  • Dalgaard: Chapters 1–4, 6, 10, 11, 13, A
  • Gelman & Hill: Chapters 1–5, A–C
  • Weeks 1–5 (Assignments 1–3)

Part 2: Core Techniques

  • Kline: Chapters 5–10
  • Dalgaard: Chapter 9
  • Gelman & Hill: Chapters 7–10
  • Weeks 6–11 (Assignments 4–6)

Part 3: Advanced Techniques

  • Kline: Chapters 11–13
  • Dalgaard: Chapter 12
  • Gelman & Hill: Chapters 11–14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 24
  • Singer & Willett: Part I
  • Weeks 12–16 (Assignments 7 & 8)

Class Photos

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