Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used widely by researchers in a diverse array of fields to find and test complex relationships amongst observed variables that measure latent (unobserved) variables and amongst the latent variables themselves. SEM subsumes other analytical techniques (such as factor analysis, regression analysis and path analysis) into one omnibus approach to modeling relationships amongst observed and latent variables. This course is designed as an introductory SEM course aimed at introducing participants to the basic concept of SEM and to a range of structural equation models using AMOS and/or Mplus software to estimate the model parameters.

Detailed notes with worked examples and references will be provided as a basis for both the lecture and hands-on computing aspect of the course.

The target audience for this course is post graduate students, academic staff and other researchers needing to learn the basic concept of SEM and how to run structural equation models using either the AMOS and/or Mplus software.

Participants must have completed an introductory course in statistics (or have equivalent experience).

Familiarity with multiple regression and factor analysis is highly desirable, as is experience with a statistical data analysis package such as IBM SPSS, SAS or Stata. However, it is assumed that participants have had little or no experience with either AMOS or Mplus.

This course is designed as an introductory course in the use of both AMOS and/or Mplus software packages to estimate basic structural equation models.

(N.B. Although the instructor will teach and use both packages throughout the course, students may choose to work with just one of the packages or they may choose to work with both.)

You will need to bring your own laptop with specified software (either AMOS or Mplus).

You are encouraged to bring a data set and/or research problem with you.