Structural Equations

 

Introductory Statistics

 

Data Analysis Using Regression and Multilevel Models

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

Course Overview

This course is a thorough introduction to structural equation models, using the open-source computational software R. The textbooks for the course are:

  • Bollen, K. (1989). Structural Equations with Latent Variables. Wiley.
  • Dalgaard, P. (2002). Introductory Statistics with R. Springer.
  • Gelman, A., & Hill, J. (2007). Data Analysis Using Regression and Multilevel/Hierarchical Models. Columbia.

The course is offered during the eight-week evening term, and students are expected to turn in one assignment each of the eight weeks. In addition, students are expected to give two presentations to the class: One presentation on a published study using structural equation models, and one presentation on a data analysis project conducted by the student. Below are some helpful websites:

Students should have taken at least two courses in quantitative methods prior to enrolling in this class. The class meets twice per week, according to the following schedule of topics and readings:

Week 1

  • Introduction
    • Dalgaard: Chapters 1–2
    • Bollen: Chapter 1
    • Gelman & Hill: Chapters 1–2
  • Model Notation, Covariances, and Path Analysis
    • Dalgaard: Chapters 3 & 5
    • Bollen: Chapter 2

Week 2

  • Multiple Regression
    • Dalgaard: Chapter 9
    • Gelman & Hill: Chapters 3–4
  • Causality and Causal Models
    • Bollen: Chapter 3
    • Gelman & Hill: Chapters 9–10

Week 3

  • Linear Models
    • Dalgaard: Chapter 10
  • Structural Equation Models with Observed Variables
    • Bollen: Chapter 4

Week 4

  • Structural Equation Models with Observed Variables
    • Bollen: Chapter 4
    • Edwards, J. R. & Lambert, L. S. (2007). Methods for integrating moderation and mediation: A general analytical framework using moderated path analysis. Psychological Methods, 12(1), 1–22.
  • Consequences of Measurement Error
    • Bollen: Chapter 5

Week 5

  • Measurement Models
    • Bollen: Chapter 6
  • Confirmatory Factor Analysis
    • Bollen: Chapter 7

Week 6

  • Confirmatory Factor Analysis
    • Bollen: Chapter 7
  • Confirmatory Factor Analysis
    • Bollen: Chapter 7

Week 7

  • The General Model
    • Bollen: Chapter 8
  • The General Model
    • Bollen: Chapter 8

Week 8

  • The General Model
    • Bollen: Chapter 8
  • The General Model
    • Bollen: Chapter 9

Class Photos

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