This report presents an analysis of an expert performing a highly interactive computer task. The analysis uses GOMS models, specifying the Goals, Operators, Methods, and Selection rules used by the expert; the GOMS models are implemented within a unified theory of cognition called Soar. Two models are presented, one with function-level operators,…

The study presented in this document was designed to test, through path analysis, a modified version of the Bean and Metzner (1985) model of nontraditional student attrition in an effort to understand why older students frequently dropped out of a large public university in the Midwest. Four variables from Bean and Metzner's model were deleted and…

Subjected three models involving social support, orientation to support utilization, and psychological distress to path analysis using data from 176 college students. Findings supported models that: (1) support network resources affect support appraisals indirectly through support behavior; (2) orientation to support utilization affects resources,…

Proposes a model of kindergartners' development of literacy resources. States that, throughout the year, kindergartners completed tasks similar to those typically used in their different instructional programs, and factor analysis identified five factors for use in a path analysis. Finds various factors influenced outcome variables, represented by…

Discusses the application of path analysis in the context of genetic epidemiology. Examines the coherence of model specification, plausibility of modeling assumptions, the interpretability and usefulness of the model, and the validity of statistical procedures. (RB)

To explore the relationship between spatial ability and both image quality and image process efficiency, 79 subjects completed spatial tests, imagery questionnaires, and laboratory tasks. Laboratory measures of process efficiency and image quality were strongly related to spatial test performance and weakly related to one another. (Author/BW)

Examined marital cohesion as a component of marital adjustment. Seven variables related to adjustment were entered into a path model. Over 36 percent of the variance in cohesion was explained by the model. Four hypothesized direct effects were supported (i.e., for comparison level, self-disclosure anxiety, spousal hostility, and sex). (JAC)

For a study, a path model was developed and tested representing variables that relate to sexual coercion. Specifically, sex, who asked, who paid, relational stage, past/current relationship, attitudes, drug or alcohol use, coercion strategies, and victim resistance were proposed and their effects examined. Data were collected by using electronic…

This review of the procedures involved in using path analysis provides guidelines for more effective future utilization of recursive path analysis in the field of family studies. (Author)

Uses path analysis to investigate a model of agenda-setting. Supports the model, showing that, if individuals perceive the media to be highly credible, they will rely on the media for information, will increase their exposure to media messages and in turn will become more susceptible to agenda-setting. (SR)

Research suggests that families have development histories which influence their responses to situations across the life course. The present study examined the effects of family relationship histories on intergenerational affection and conflict between adult children and their parents and how this affects parents' depressive symptoms. Path…

We examined the nature of the temporal relations among the core person variables in the social cognitive model of academic and career choice [Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and performance [Monograph]. "Journal of Vocational Behavior," 45,…

The National Educational Longitudinal Study database was used to examine the educational development of students of low socioeconomic status (SES). A path analysis was conducted to determine the effects of student background, psychological, and behavioral variables on postsecondary educational attainment of low-SES students. The results show that…

Presents a review of path analysis techniques using Hope's (1984) comparative study of schooling and social mobility in Scotland and the United States as a case study. Path analysis has been used in the social sciences to untangle complex cause and effect relationships. The limits of path analysis as a way to analyze complex social phenomena are…

A model that incorporates both socioenvironmental and psychological factors was developed in an attempt to explain adolescent suicide ideation. A sample of 407 high school students was used to test the model. (Author/LMO)