Path Analysis

by G. David Garson

An illustrated tutorial and introduction to path analysis using SPSS, AMOS, SAS, or Stata. Suitable for introductory graduate-level study.The 2014 edition is a major update to the 2012 edition. Among the new features are Over double the page length (74 pp. rather than 35)* Over four times as many illustrative figures (45 rather than 11)* Now covers SAS and Stata as well as SPSS and AMOS* Covers both regression-based and SEM-based methods* Totally rewritten and reformatted, with new FAQs added* Links to download datasets used in the text. Below is the unformatted table of contents.PATH ANALYSISOverview6Key Concepts and Terms7Estimation7Path model7Exogenous and endogenous variables8Disturbance terms8Causal paths9Path Coefficients9Path coefficents/weights9Path multiplication rule11Effect decomposition11Path analysis example in OLS regression13Overview13SPSS regression method13SAS regression method16Stata regression method17Path analysis example in SEM17SEM example data17SEM in SPSS Amos, SAS, and Stata18Path analysis in SPSS AMOS19AMOS Inputs19AMOS Path estimates25AMOS Partition of total effects27AMOS Goodness of Fit measures29AMOS Correlations34AMOS Modification indexes35Path Analysis in SAS PROC CALIS36Overview36SAS inputs37SAS Path estimates39SAS Partition of total effects40SAS Goodness of fit measures41SAS Correlations45SAS Modification indices46Path Analysis in Stata47Overview47Stata inputs48Stata Path estimates49Stata Partition of total effects51Stata Goodness of fit measures53Stata Correlations55Stata Modification indices55Assumptions57Linearity57Interval level variables57Uncorrelated error58Proper specification59Normally distributed error59Low multicollinearity60Identification of the model60Recursivity60Adequate sample size60Frequently Asked Questions61Does path analysis confirm causation in a model?61Can path analysis be used for exploratory rather than confirmatory purposes?61How does the significance of a path coefficient compare with the significance of the corresponding regression coefficient?62Why might the direct effect be zero?62What is Simpson's paradox?62What is Berkson's paradox (case-control bias)?63How are path coefficients related to a covariance/correlation matrix for purposes of testing a model?64How, exactly, can I compute path coefficients in the regression method?65How do I compute the value of the path from an error term to an endogenous variable?66How can multiple group path analysis determine if the path model differs across groups in my sample?66Could I substitute logistic regression when doing effect decomposition?67Can path analysis handle hierarchical/multilevel data?67What is partial least squares path analysis?67What is the historical origin of path analysis?67

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2012