Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling

Methodology in the Social Sciences

by Rex B. Kline

This popular text provides an accessible guide to the application, interpretation, and pitfalls of structural equation modeling (SEM). Reviewed are fundamental statistical concepts--such as correlation, regressions, data preparation and screening, path analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis--as well as more advanced methods, including the evaluation of nonlinear effects, measurement models and structural regression models, latent growth models, and multilevel SEM. The companion Web page offers data and program syntax files for many of the research examples, electronic overheads that can be downloaded and printed by instructors or students, and links to SEM-related resources.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Research Methods, Psychology, Reference, Research, Logic

366 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 1998

Reviews

[Terran M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the correct first book to read on causal inference. It covers structural equation modeling (SEM), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Pearl's structured causal modeling (SCM). Adequate preparation for understanding this book would be a basic treatment of multivariate regression, such as Gelman and Hill. Introduction to Statistical Learning would also be sufficient. If you want to really understand confirmatory factor analysis, you should probably already know something about factor analysis as well; I liked Gorsuch.

Although this book claims to cover various software packages, the treatment is cursory and the code examples (online) are mostly uncommented; don't expect to really learn how to use the software from this book. Read this book for the principles and then also read the software manual for whatever tool you're going to use.

Ironically, this book, whose title claims to be about SEM only, actually covers most of modern causal inference, whereas Pearl's book, with the grand title "Causality", covers only his own narrow work. This is definitely the one you want.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for my preliminary exams because I knew I’d need to answer a methods question on SEM. I had not taken any classes on SEM before reading this, and I had only a little experience interpreting SEM results produced by other researchers. This book is AMAZING. Incredibly approachable, clear, and well structured. I answered an essay question about SEM and was told by the professor who graded it that I had mentioned things most people forget or don’t fully grasp about SEM. He was super impressed. Shout out to Kline!!!! Highly recommend to anyone, regardless of previous SEM experience.

[Fahed Al Kerdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to cite some information about the validity and the reliability of the research instrument.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent SEM book for students/academics. Provides detailed explanations of the consensus (and controversy) of state of the art structural equation modeling techniques. Kline's book uses plain language to communicate complex issues in applying SEM to research questions. Very helpful in answering reviewers/referees questions in the publication process. Minus 1 star for lack of MPLUS syntax addressing model comparisons.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah that's right.
I'm actually really excited to re-read this book. This guy is a great writer when it comes to this stuff. I think this is a wonderfully powerful tool for gaining insight into how the world works.
This is where stats is going. If you're getting a degree in this stuff, read this.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastix explanation of theory, assumptions, and technique.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and easy to follow. A great textbook for introductory SEM coursework.

[Desiree Leboeuf-davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and understandable for non-mathematician folks.