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* Basic Steps in Performing SEM analysis
1. '''Model Specification'''--Since SEM is a confirmatory technique, it is imperative that the model is specified correctly based on the type of analysis that the modeller is attempting to confirm. There are two main types of models: the structural model and the measurement model. Specifying the model delineates between relationships between variables that are thought to be related (and therefore want to be 'free' to vary) and those relationships between variables that already have an estimated relationship, which can be gathered from previous studies (these relationships are 'fixed' in the model).
2. '''Estimation of Free Parameters'''--appropriating the best fitting model in SEM is an iterative process. Therefore, a estimation is made comparing the actual variance/covariance matrices representing the relationships between variables and the estimated variance/covariance matrices of the best fitting model. This is best accomplished by using an SEM analysis program, such as LISREL or AMOS.
3. '''Assessment of Fit'''--Using an SEM analysis program, the iterations compare the estimated matrices representing the relationships between variables in the model to the actual matrices. Individual factors within the model are also examined within the estimated model in order to see how well the proposed model fits the driving theory.
4. '''Model Modification'''--The model may need to be modified in order to maximize the fit, thereby estimating the most likely relationships between variables.
5. '''Interpretation and Communication'''--The model is then interpreted and claims about the constructs are made based on the best fitting model. Because SEM is limited to correlational data, caution should always be taken when making claims of causality unless further experimentation or time-ordered studies have been done.
6. '''Replication and Revalidation'''--All model modifications should be replicated and revalidated before interpreting and communicating the results.
* Data Preparation
* Common Mistakes in SEM?
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