Author Description

"Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata is devoted to Stata's sem command and all it can do. Learn about its capabilities in the context of confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, structural equation modeling, longitudinal models, and multiple-group analysis. Each model covered is presented along with the necessary Stata code, which is parsimonious, powerful, and can be modified to fit a wide variety of models. The datasets used are downloadable, and you are encouraged to run the programs in a hands-on approach to learning. A particularly exciting feature of Stata is the SEM Builder. This graphic interface for structural equation modeling allows you to draw publication-quality path diagrams and to fit the models without writing any programming code. When you fit a model with the SEM builder, Stata automatically generates the complete code that you can save for future use. Use of this unique tool is extensively covered in an appendix, and brief examples appear throughout the text. A minimal background in multiple regression is sufficient to benefit from this text. While it would be helpful to have some experience with Stata, it is not essential. Though the primary audience is those who are new to structural equation modeling, those who are already familiar with it will find this text useful for the Stata code it covers. Overall, the text is intended to be practical and will serve as a useful reference."--Page 4 of cover.