Quantitative Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling
USGS scientists have been involved for a number of years in the development and use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This methodology represents an approach to statistical modeling that focuses on the study of complex cause-effect hypotheses about the mechanisms operating in systems. SEM is increasingly used in ecological and environmental studies and this site seeks to provide educational materials related to that enterprise. This site serves up tutorials, exercises, and examples designed to help researchers learn and apply SEM. Please click on the “Science” tab to learn more.
How to Use This Site
This site provides tutorials, examples, and exercises for those wishing to learn basic or specialized structural equation modeling methods. A description of what has been added and when can be found in the document What’s New.
Contact
Comments on existing tutorials and suggestions for additional tutorials can be sent to sem@usgs.gov. Please note that while emails to this address will be read, we cannot provide individual replies given time constraints. For this we apologize, but we do hope the materials provided will be helpful.
To Receive Update Notices
We will maintain a mailing list for sending out updates to those interested in following the development of new materials. Just let us know of your interest by sending a message to sem@usgs.gov.
Site Contents pdf
Prelude - What is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)? pdf video
New Foundations for Supporting Causal Interpretations publication
Three-page Illustration of Converting Monitoring Data into Causal Network Model publication
Example SEM-based Study (SEM.0a) pdf
I. Introduction and Background
SEM Essentials
Summary Points (SEM.1.1) pdf
Anatomy of SE Models (SEM.1.2) pdf
Model Specifications (SEM.1.3) pdf
Estimation (SEM.1.4) pdf
Path Rules (SEM.1.5) pdf
Interpreting Coefficients (SEM.1.6) pdf
Interpreting Effects of Categorical Predictors (SEM.1.7) pdf code data
Coefficients Involving Logged Variables (SEM.1.8) pdf
Doing SEM in R
Introduction to Lavaan (SEM.2.1) pdf code data
Lavaan Syntax Reference (SEM.2.1a) pdf
Local Estimation of Equations (SEM.2.2) pdf code data
Model Evaluation (SEM.3) pdf code data
Model Evaluation Exercise pdf code data
II. Basic Elements of Modeling
Overview of the Modeling Process (SEM.4) pdf
The Test of Mediation (SEM.5) pdf code data
Test of Mediation Exercise pdf code data
SEM versus Multiple Regression (SEM.6) pdf code data
SEM versus ANOVA and ANCOVA (SEM.8) pdf
III. Modeling with Latent and Composite Variables
Modeling with Latent Variables (SEM.9.1) pdf code data
Confirmatory Factor Analysis (SEM.9.2) pdf code data
Confirmatory Factor Analysis Exercise pdf code data
Composites and Formative Indicators (SEM.10.1) pdf code
Composites and Endogenous Nonlinearities (SEM.10.2) pdf
Composites with Multiple Effects (SEM.10.3) pdf
Composites with Multiple Effects Exercise pdf code data
Composites - Comparing Specifications (SEM.10.4) pdf
IV. Additional Topics
Additional Lavaan Options (SEM.11.1) pdf
Multi-Group Modeling (SEM.11.2) pdf
Modeling Interactions (SEM.11.3) pdf code data
Spatial Autocorrelation Procedures (SEM.11.4) pdf code data
Reciprocal Effects Overview (SEM.11.5) pdf
Adjusting for Nested Data using lavaan.survey (SEM.11.6) pdf code data
Latent Trajectory Modeling in lavaan (SEM.11.7) pdf code data
Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Structural Equation Modeling in Support of Conservation
Mechanisms of Coastal Marsh Elevation Regulation
USGS scientists have been involved for a number of years in the development and use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This methodology represents an approach to statistical modeling that focuses on the study of complex cause-effect hypotheses about the mechanisms operating in systems. SEM is increasingly used in ecological and environmental studies and this site seeks to provide educational materials related to that enterprise. This site serves up tutorials, exercises, and examples designed to help researchers learn and apply SEM. Please click on the “Science” tab to learn more.
How to Use This Site
This site provides tutorials, examples, and exercises for those wishing to learn basic or specialized structural equation modeling methods. A description of what has been added and when can be found in the document What’s New.
Contact
Comments on existing tutorials and suggestions for additional tutorials can be sent to sem@usgs.gov. Please note that while emails to this address will be read, we cannot provide individual replies given time constraints. For this we apologize, but we do hope the materials provided will be helpful.
To Receive Update Notices
We will maintain a mailing list for sending out updates to those interested in following the development of new materials. Just let us know of your interest by sending a message to sem@usgs.gov.
Site Contents pdf
Prelude - What is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)? pdf video
New Foundations for Supporting Causal Interpretations publication
Three-page Illustration of Converting Monitoring Data into Causal Network Model publication
Example SEM-based Study (SEM.0a) pdf
I. Introduction and Background
SEM Essentials
Summary Points (SEM.1.1) pdf
Anatomy of SE Models (SEM.1.2) pdf
Model Specifications (SEM.1.3) pdf
Estimation (SEM.1.4) pdf
Path Rules (SEM.1.5) pdf
Interpreting Coefficients (SEM.1.6) pdf
Interpreting Effects of Categorical Predictors (SEM.1.7) pdf code data
Coefficients Involving Logged Variables (SEM.1.8) pdf
Doing SEM in R
Introduction to Lavaan (SEM.2.1) pdf code data
Lavaan Syntax Reference (SEM.2.1a) pdf
Local Estimation of Equations (SEM.2.2) pdf code data
Model Evaluation (SEM.3) pdf code data
Model Evaluation Exercise pdf code data
II. Basic Elements of Modeling
Overview of the Modeling Process (SEM.4) pdf
The Test of Mediation (SEM.5) pdf code data
Test of Mediation Exercise pdf code data
SEM versus Multiple Regression (SEM.6) pdf code data
SEM versus ANOVA and ANCOVA (SEM.8) pdf
III. Modeling with Latent and Composite Variables
Modeling with Latent Variables (SEM.9.1) pdf code data
Confirmatory Factor Analysis (SEM.9.2) pdf code data
Confirmatory Factor Analysis Exercise pdf code data
Composites and Formative Indicators (SEM.10.1) pdf code
Composites and Endogenous Nonlinearities (SEM.10.2) pdf
Composites with Multiple Effects (SEM.10.3) pdf
Composites with Multiple Effects Exercise pdf code data
Composites - Comparing Specifications (SEM.10.4) pdf
IV. Additional Topics
Additional Lavaan Options (SEM.11.1) pdf
Multi-Group Modeling (SEM.11.2) pdf
Modeling Interactions (SEM.11.3) pdf code data
Spatial Autocorrelation Procedures (SEM.11.4) pdf code data
Reciprocal Effects Overview (SEM.11.5) pdf
Adjusting for Nested Data using lavaan.survey (SEM.11.6) pdf code data
Latent Trajectory Modeling in lavaan (SEM.11.7) pdf code data
Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.