Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling

Description

In May of 2020, Dan Bauer and Patrick Curran offered a free-of-charge three-day live streaming course titled Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling. There were 3,000 participants from 38 countries and six continents. Because many people were unable to register at the time, we are now offering the recordings of this three-day class for Just-in-Time self-paced online statistics training at a nominal charge (simply to cover infrastructure costs).

The course focuses on the application and interpretation of statistical models that are designed for the analysis of multivariate data with latent variables, broadly referred to as structural equation models, or SEMs. Although the traditional multiple regression model is a powerful analytical tool within the social sciences, this is also highly restrictive in a variety of ways. Not only are all variables assumed to have no measurement error, but it is also limited to a single dependent variable with unidirectional effects. The SEM generalizes multiple regression to include multiple dependent variables, reciprocal effects, indirect effects, and the estimation and removal of measurement error through the inclusion of latent variables. The SEM is a general framework that allows for the empirical testing of research hypotheses in ways not otherwise possible. This course provides an introduction to the core components of the SEM along with detailed worked examples estimated using the lavaan package in R.

Participants who enroll now will have access to video recordings of the workshop for 12 weeks following registration. In the recordings, Patrick and Dan alternate lecturing with the help of teaching assistant Ethan McCormick who organizes and conveys questions submitted by participants. Each day concludes with a live demonstration of how to fit the models discussed during the day using lavaan in R (Rosseel, 2012). There are a total of 18 hours of lecture material organized into five chapters over the three days. Videos are not downloadable, however each participant also receives access to detailed lecture notes (308 pages), demonstration notes (100 pages), and data and script files that can be downloaded and retained indefinitely. You will have access to all videos and additional files for download once you have registered.