A theoretical and philosophical revision of the concept of fit in structural equation modeling and its relation to a confirmation bias is developed. The neutral character of fit indexes regarding this issue is argued, concluding that protection against confirmation bias relies on model modification strategy and scientist behavior. (SLD)

Tested a model of HIV behavior risk, using a fully cross-lagged, longitudinal design to illustrate the analysis of larger structural equation models. Data from 527 women who completed a survey at three time points show excellent fit of the model to the data. (SLD)

Used a structural modeling approach to evaluate relations among attitudes, initial skills, and performance in a Quantitative Methods course that involved students in active learning. Results largely confirmed hypotheses offering support for educational reform efforts that propose actively involving students in the learning process, especially in…

Describes an alternative approach to assessing content validity and content equivalence in terms of item-content structures and content area constructs. Results from applying structural equation modeling to item-response data from two Regents College examinations to verify content constructs suggest the different degrees of inconsistency and bias…

An analysis of sibling data from the National Youth Survey shows the pitfalls of ignoring issues of independence and demonstrate how conventional covariance structure software can be easily adapted to handle hierarchical models, providing a new approach that models within-level and between-level covariance matrices in familial antisocial behavior.…

Discusses two criticisms raised by L. Hayduk and D. Glaser of the most commonly used point estimate of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSEA) and points out misconceptions in their discussion. Although there are apparent flaws in their arguments, the RMSEA is open to question for several other reasons. (SLD)

Three structural equation models of communication between family members and medical staff were examined to understand relations among staff accessibility, inhibitory family attitudes, getting communication needs met, perceived stress, and satisfaction with communication. Compared to full and direct models, a mediational model fit best in which…

A Monte Carlo study evaluated the effectiveness of different factor analysis extraction and rotation methods for identifying the known population multiple-indicator measurement model. Results demonstrate that exploratory factor analysis can contribute to a useful heuristic strategy for model specification prior to cross-validation with…

Presents an approach (designed for beginners) to using PROC CALIS, a Statistical Analysis System (SAS) procedure, to perform path analyses using observed variables. The approach begins with the development of a figure to illustrate the researcher's theoretical model, and then converts the figure into a PROC CALIS program. (SLD)

Discusses issues related to model evaluation in structural equation modeling. Supports nested model comparisons via sequential chi-square difference tests as consistent with the four-step approach to model evaluation when models of the factor analytic simultaneous equation type are entertained. (Author/SLD)

This article offers different examples of how to fit latent growth curve (LGC) models to longitudinal data using a variety of different software programs (i.e., LISREL, Mx, Mplus, AMOS, SAS). The article shows how the same model can be fitted using both structural equation modeling and multilevel software, with nearly identical results, even in…

This article describes a technique to analyze randomized response data using available structural equation modeling (SEM) software. The randomized response technique was developed to obtain estimates that are more valid when studying sensitive topics. The basic feature of all randomized response methods is that the data are deliberately…

A didactic example is presented of the application of new developments in structural equation modeling that allow for the modeling of multilevel data. The method, a synthesis of methods developed by B. Muthen, is applied to the problem of validating indicators of science education quality in the United States. (SLD)

The SEPATH structural equation modeling (SEM) software is a new module in the latest release of STATISTICA (version 5.0) for Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. SEPATH is a program that provides a comprehensive set of functions for the SEM modeling. The interface and the Monte Carlo capability are strong features. (SLD)

Relative fit indices using the null model as the reference point in computation may differ across estimation methods, as this article illustrates by comparing maximum likelihood, ordinary least squares, and generalized least squares estimation in structural equation modeling. The illustration uses a covariance matrix for six observed variables…