SEM Episode 1: Introduction to Structural Equation Models

In this episode of Office Hours, Patrick provides a general introduction to the structural equation model, or SEM. ...

Patrick begins with a general introduction of the SEM and describes the various kinds of statistical models that can be considered special cases of the SEM. He then builds a conceptual path model linking parent alcoholism to adolescent substance and uses this to describe different strengths of the SEM. He then introduces the six core components of any SEM: specification, identification, estimation, evaluation, respecification, and interpretation. He concludes by describing topics that additional episodes in the series will explore.

Bollen, K. A. (1989). Structural Equations with Latent Variables John Wiley & Sons New York.

Kline, R. B. (2015). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. Guilford publications.

[denikawidmer]

This is by far the clearest explanation I've come across!! Thank you for this!!

[elinations]

I've read some papers on this subject, read a few chapters from statistical books on it, and watched numerous videos; I was always left with the same questions about how this related to my base level of understanding of statistics. You sir, have proven that you actually know what you are talking about, and breaking it down to be understood in the most socratic way possible. You have my respect!

[antipkk]

I feel very lucky to find your videos... Many thanks.

[drryangagnon]

I really appreciated you started with "what" rather than starting with covariance matrices etc. I plan on "borrowing" much of this for an SEM course I teach (citation of course). Thanks for taking the time and energy to share how cool SEM is. Looking forward to the next videos!

[hexiao]

just came from the workshop. Dr. Curran and Dr. Bauer along with the assistant Ethan are just amazing!

[RobinBeaumont]

Great video and very good intro for those who understand various terms. Second half excellent overview of the stages of SEM with valuable personal insights - nice to hear somone who clearly knows what they are talking about!

[mmcallister]

This was extremely helpful. I work in marketing and received a structured equation model from our analytics team with zero explanation of what the numbers mean. My job was to describe the key findings of the research to a group of clients. Your clear explanation helped me crack the code on this model and pull out the key takeaways. Awesome video!

[Heythatsjeremy]

Gosh, this is so good. I don't know that there's a more clear intro description on the internet.

[henriqueoliveira]

Congratulations... This is a great lesson...One of the bests on the topic. Thanks.

[elisabethpelikan]

Thank you for this very helpful video!

[rhcp]

Such a fantastic video! Super clear and informative explanation. Thank you!

[ridwanridwan]

The explanation is crystal clear and very insightful. Thanks for sharing, sir.

[kathimaria]

Thank you so much for this video, you've made my life a lot easier! :)

[sastrawansastrawan]

Thank you very much for the explanation.

[RodrigoFabretti]

This has been insanely helpful. So clear and direct to the point!

[liviasacchi]

Guys you are the best!!!! Thank you for your awesome videos!! So clear and catchy!!!!

[muhammadabdulhadi]

Great and practical explanation. Thank you!

[reynaldotid]

Thank you very much for your excellent introduction.

[jiezhong]

Thank you so much for the clear explanation!

[bxblkcuban]

This video was very helpful in understanding the basic concepts of SEM! I'm currently taking an SEM course, however, it doesn't have a real lecture component.