Structural Equation Modeling (Pocket Guides to Social Work Research Methods) - Softcover

Bowen, Natasha K.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195367626 ISBN 13: 9780195367621

Publisher: Oxford University Press, Usa, 2011

Synopsis

Structural Equation Modeling (Sem) has long been used in social work research, but the writing on the topic is typically fragmented and highly technical. This pocket guide fills a major gap in the literature by providing social work researchers and doctoral students with an accessible synthesis. The authors demonstrate two Sem programs with distinct user interfaces and capabilities (Amos and Mplus) with enough specificity that readers can conduct their own analyses without consulting additional resources. Examples from social work literature highlight best practices for the specification, estimation, interpretation, and modification of structural equation models. Unlike most sources on Sem, this book provides clear guidelines on how to evaluate Sem output and how to proceed when model fit is not acceptable.

Oftentimes, confirmatory factor analysis and general structure modeling are the most flexible, powerful, and appropriate choices for social work data. Richly illustrated with figures, equations, matrices, and tables, this pocket guide empowers social workers with a set of defensible analysis strategies that allows for competent, confident use of Sem.

About this title

About the Author

Natasha K. Bowen, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Shenyang Guo, Ph.D., is Professor of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, Usa
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195367626
• ISBN 13: 9780195367621
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240