Structural Equation Modeling

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a form of multivariate statistical analysis often used to analyze complex relationships between latent variables. It is a method of intertwined equation systems that examines and tests causal relationships in a data set. SEM can be used to test predictions within a model and to estimate parameters of observed and latent variables. This technique has been widely used in sciences such as sociology and psychology to study how underlying variables, such as demographic characteristics and psychological traits, influence a given outcome. Researchers also use SEM to analyze data from surveys, experiments, and archival records, providing a powerful tool for a wide range of studies.