Simple examples - Mullti-sample examples - Path diagrams - Fitting and testing - Lisrel output - Simplis reference - Computer exercises.

This book introduces LISREL 8--all that is required is to name all observed latent (if any) variables and to formulate the model to be estimated. The model can be specified either as paths or as relationships (equations) in the input file or as a path diagram at run time. It is not necessary to be familiar with the LISRELmodel or any of its submodels, nor are any greek or matrix notations required. There are no complicated options to learn and anyone who can formulate the model as a path diagram can use the SIMPLIScommand language immediately. This book is written for students and researchers with limited mathematical and statistical training who need to use structural equation models to analyze their data and learn the LISRELcommand language. It is not a textbook on factor analysis, structural equations or latent variable models, although there are many examples of such in the book. Rather, it is assumed that the reader is already familiar with the basic ideas and principles of these types of analyses and techniques. The main objective is to demonstrate how structural equation modeling can be easily learned without a great deal of the technical jargon. The SIMPLIS language makes it much easier to specify models and to carry out the analysis. The substantive specification and interpretation remain the same as with the LISRELcommand language. The SIMPLISlanguage shifts the focus away from the technical question "how to do it" so that researchers can concentrate on the more substantively interesting question "what does it all mean?"

This book illustrates the ease with which various features of LISREL 8 and PRELIS 2 can be implemented in addressing research questions that lend themselves to SEM. Its purpose is threefold: (a) to present a nonmathmatical introduction to basic concepts associated with SEM, (b) to demonstrate basic applications of SEM using both the DOS and Windows versions of LISREL 8, as well as both the LISREL and SIMPLIS lexicons, and (c) to highlight particular features of the LISREL 8 and PRELIS 2 progams that address important caveats related to SEM analyses. This book is intended neither as a text on the topic of SEM, nor as a comprehensive review of the many statistical funcitons available in the LISREL 8 and PRELIS 2 programs. Rather, the intent is to provide a practical guide to SEM using the LISREL approach. As such, the reader is "walked through" a diversity of SEM applications that include both factor analytic and full latent variable models, as well as a variety of data management procedures.

`If you encounter a research student for whom the very word LISREL induces feelings of fear, quietly recommend that they read this book. They will thank you for it. With increasingly user-friendly versions of LISREL being released and guide books such as this published, LISREL really should be accessible to all' - European Journal of MarketingEmphasizing substantive issues rather than intricate statistical details, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to LISREL for structural equation modeling (SEM) using a non-technical, user-oriented approach that. The emphasis is on:- exposing the reader to the major steps associated with the formulation and testing of a model under the LISREL framework- describing the key decisions associated with each step- highlighting potential problems and limitations associated with LISREL modeling- assisting the interpretation of LISREL input and output files.The overall aim is to provide a critical understanding of what is really involved in LISREL modeling and sensitize the reader against `mechanically' fitting or modifying models.The entire range of decisions associated with the practical application of the LISREL program is covered in a user-friendly fashion. Concrete examples are used throughout to illustrate issues relating to model conceptualization, specification, identification, estimation, evaluation, modification, and cross-validation and illustrated with actual program output.The program is made much more accessible by adopting the more user-friendly SIMPLIS command language for preparing input files. Although primarily aimed at beginning users, readers are directed to further reading together with a comprehensive bibliography for the more advanced user.