Foundations of Structural Equation Modeling
1. Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is a comprehensive multivariate statistical technique used to examine complex relationships among observed and latent variables. SEM integrates factor analysis and multiple regression into a unified analytical framework, enabling researchers to test theoretical models while accounting for measurement error. Due to its flexibility and analytical power, SEM has become one of the most widely used methods in education, psychology, social sciences, business, and health research. This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts, historical development, advantages, limitations, and overall research process of Structural Equation Modeling, providing a solid foundation for the subsequent chapters.