M11 Structural Equation Modelling
Aims and Learning Outcomes
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the philosophy underlying psychological research using covariance structure modelling techniques.
By the end of this modules students are expected
- to be equipped with enough information to critically assess research using covariance structure models in the psychological literature.
- to be capable of applying causal modelling techniques to real data sets and be able to interpret output from these analyses in a sophisticated and reflective manner.
Course Convenor
Professor Chris Fife-Schaw
Other Contributors
Contact Hours
20
Required Prerequisite Study
UG level statistics, preparatory suggested reading.
Completion Requirement
Completion of the module (and the acquisition of 15 course credits) requires a total of 20 contact hours in the form of lectures and computer practicals. Students are also required to invest a minimum of 130 hours of study time in completion of the module.
Assessments
Unseen short answer exam of six questions to be answered in 1 hour. (50% of final mark)
Practical report. Each student is supplied with data and required to test a theoretical model with LISREL, then report it. (50% of final mark)
Suggested Reading
You should attempt to read the introductory sections of one of the following prior to Week 1.
Tabachnik, B.G. & Fidell, L.S. (2006). Using Multivariate Statistics (5th ed). New York: Allyn and Bacon (chapter by Ullman is a good general overview of SEM and it compares the computer packages).
Maruyama, G.M. (1997). Basics of Structural Equation Modeling. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications
Hayduk, L.A. (1987) Structural Equation Modeling with LISREL: Essentials and Advances. Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University Press.
SEMNET + LISREL
You can look up the web page of SEMNET (http://www.gsu.edu/~mkteer/semnet.html) that contains answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and details of how to join its e-mail based discussion group. You can download a free ‘student’ copy of LISREL from http://www.ssicentral.com It has some limitations but you should get your own copy for when you work away from the Dept.