Admission requirements
Master’s students with a good background in elementary statistics and methods of research at bachelor level.
Description
Structural Equation Models (SEMs) are linear models by which the structure of the means and the covariances among a set of observed variables can be described. It is assumed that this structure arises from the pattern of interrelations among a set of latent variables and/or a set of observed variables. SEMs can be used to do confirmative factor analysis and to fit “causal” models for observed and latent variables. These variables may be continuous or categorical variables. Furthermore, multiple group analysis can be investigated. The parameters of SEMs can be estimated and tested by means of several computer programs.
This course focuses on formulating substantial theories into SEM models. Students learn how to use the computer program EQS and how to interpret the results of the analysis. Illustrations will be discussed coming from several research areas, like the multitrait-multimethod method, the Fishbein-Ajzen model and models for impression formation.
Course objectives
Students learn the basics of the structural equation methodology.
Furthermore, the students learn to analyze real data sets by using the computer program EQS.
Timetable
Structural Equation Models (2010-2011):
Mode of instruction
Lectures and working groups, supervised.
Assessment method
Graded assignments and take home assignment.
From January 1, 2006 the Faculty of Social Sciences has instituted the Ephorus system to be used by instructors for the systematic detection of plagiarism in students’ written work. Please see the information concerning fraud .
Blackboard
Information on blackboard.leidenuniv.nl
Reading list
Byrne, B.M. (2006). Structural Equation Modeling with EQS, Basic Concepts, Applications, and Programming. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Registration
Introduction and enrolment for courses of the first semester will take place on 2 September 2010. Introduction and enrolment for courses of the second semester will take place on 27 January 2011. More information will be available at the website of the Institute of Psychology.
Contact information
Prof. Dr. A. Mooijaart
Room 3B18
Tel.: +31 (0)71 527 3770
E-mail: mooijaart@fsw.leidenuniv.nl