This course introduces the experienced statistical analyst to structural equation modeling (SEM) and the new PATH language in the CALIS procedure in SAS/STAT software. The course also features a self-study chapter introducing the SAS Structural Equation Modeling for JMP interface for performing analysis of structural equation models with an easy-to-use diagram-creating interface.

Structural equation modeling is a statistical technique that combines elements of traditional multivariate models, such as regression analysis, factor analysis, and simultaneous equation modeling. These models are often represented as matrices, equations, and/or path diagrams and can explicitly account for uncertainty in observed variables and for estimation bias due to measurement error. Competing models can be compared to one another, providing information about the complex drivers of the outcome variables of interest. Many applications of SEM can be found in the social, economic, and behavioral sciences, where measurement error and uncertain causal conditions are commonly encountered.

Learn how to

• explain a regression model in terms of a structural equation model
• compare results from the REG and CALIS procedures
• specify models and evaluate model fit in the CALIS procedure using the PATH input style
• specify mediation models and test for complete and partial mediation
• perform complex path analysis
• perform confirmatory factor analysis
• specify general latent variable models
• perform full-information maximum likelihood estimation for incomplete data
• perform honest assessment to validate models
• draw path diagrams in the JMP SEM interface to specify a model (self-study).

Who should attend

Most appropriately, social, behavioral, economic, and health researchers interested in fitting complex path models and latent variable models

Duration:  2 days

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Before attending this course, you should

• have a strong background in regression modeling
• be familiar with factor analysis
• be familiar with the concepts taught in Statistics 2: ANOVA and Regression or have equivalent knowledge.

This course addresses SAS/STAT software.

Terminology and Concepts

• introduction
• simple linear regression
• terminology

The CALIS Procedure

• introduction
• PATH input

Path Models

• path models overview
• mediation models
• assessment of model fit
• model validation
• covariance matrices as input

An Introduction to Latent Variable Models

• confirmatory factor analysis
• general latent variable models

Additional Topics

• handling missing data
• nonnormal data
• further study

A Point-and-Click Approach to Specifying Structural Equation Models -Self Study

• overview of SAS structural equation modeling for JMP
• analysis using SAS structural equation modeling for JMP