This study explored why mastery-based achievement goals often are unrelated to class grades despite promoting deep learning strategies and high course interest. We hypothesized that mastery-oriented students jeopardize their exam performance by allowing their individual interests to dictate their study efforts such that they neglect boring topics…

Despite widespread efforts to prevent reading problems and an abundance of research about best practices in remediating reading skills deficits, reading continues to be exceptionally difficult for many students. Researchers have become interested in investigating the degree to which affective factors such as reading attitude relates to reading…

A growing number of demographically diverse, globally-conscious students demand instant access and flexibility when it comes to formal learning. Institutions of higher education are hard pressed to respond, and often cling to old delivery methods and pedagogy. Learner-directed use of Web 2.0 applications to locate, organize, and evidence…

This study examined factors that might impact student knowledge sharing within virtual teams through online discussion boards. These factors included: trust, mutual influence, conflict, leadership, and cohesion. A path model was developed to determine whether relationships exist among knowledge sharing from asynchronous group discussion and the…

Based on earlier studies using the 1999 and 2004 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF) data [1, 2], a causal model explaining faculty technology use was constructed. Path analysis was used to test the causal effects of age, gender, highest degree, discipline (health science or not), recent research productivity, and teaching load on…

This paper presents the finding of an investigation for determining course achievement utilizing the statistical technique of path analysis. (Author)

Several steps are taken to develop methods for analyzing systems that involve probabilistic causation. The basic ideas and distinctions are illustrated for systems with dichotomous variables. It is shown that these basic ideas have analogous counterparts in causal systems with continuous variables. By using a generalized conditional probability…

This paper reports on attempts by the author to construct a theoretical framework of adult education participation using a theory development process and the corresponding multivariate statistical techniques. Two problems are identified: the lack of theoretical framework in studying problems, and the limiting of statistical analysis to univariate…

Argues that path analysis can clarify aspects of social processes but only if skilled practitioners use the models. The practitioners need to have better methodological training and statisticians need to contribute more to the training process. (RB)

Explains two methods of systems analysis: the Fix-Point (FP) and the Partial Least Squares (PLS). Argues against Freedman's rejection of the structural assumptions of path analysis models. (RB)

Freedman responds to a series of articles commenting on his critique of the path analysis model. The focus of this rejoinder is the assumptions made by researchers who use the path analysis method, particularly the assumption that the equations in path analysis are structural. (RB)

Using LISREL, the only types of constraints allowed are fixing parameters at a constant value and constraining parameters to be equal. In this paper, two new concepts ("phantom" and "imaginary" latent variables) are introduced which allow fairly general equality and inequality constraints on factor loadings and structural model…

A simplified introduction to path analysis, this article discusses the following: (1) basic rules, assumptions, and procedures; (2) strengths and weaknesses of the technique; (3) special considerations; (4) examples of path analysis in educational research; and (5) guidelines for constructing diagrams. (MCG)

Paper proposes a set of techniques for measuring the importance" of each independent variable in a multivariate causal law (i.e., a law showing the combined effect of several independent variables on a single dependent variable). (Authors)

This study illustrates the application of causal modeling techniques in testing a conceptual model of teaching using data collected in naturalistic, nonexperimental settings. (Author/GK)