Introducing LISREL : A Guide for the Uninitiated

by Adamantios Diamantopoulos

• ISBN13: 9780761951711
• ISBN10: 0761951717
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-09-22
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd

Summary

'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.

Table of Contents

About the authors	ix
Preface	xi
Acknowledgements	xiii
What is Lisrel All About?	1	(12)
A brief background	4	(2)
Sequential steps in LISREL modeling	6	(4)
Variance and covariance	10	(1)
Implied covariance matrix	11	(2)
Model Conceptualization	13	(9)
Reflective and formative indicators	21	(1)
Path Diagram Construction	22	(8)
Path diagram construction for a LISREL model	28	(2)
Model Specification	30	(18)
Covariance matrix to be analyzed	41	(1)
Direct entry of covariance matrix into the SIMPLIS input file	42	(1)
Selected output from SIMPLIS input file for illustrative model	43	(2)
Parameter matrices of a comprehensive LISREL model	45	(1)
Illustrative model in matrix form	46	(2)
Model Identification	48	(7)
Parameter Estimation	55	(27)
Reading the program output: SIMPLIS format	57	(5)
Reading the program output: LISREL format	62	(14)
Estimation problems	76	(3)
Path diagram as produced by LISREL 8 program	79	(1)
Standardized and completely standardized indirect and total effects	80	(2)
Assessment of Model Fit	82	(20)
Overall fit assessment	82	(7)
Assessment of measurement model	89	(3)
Assessment of structural model	92	(1)
Power assessment	93	(8)
Different types of discrepancy in evaluating a LISREL model	101	(1)
Model Modification	102	(27)
Specification searches	103	(2)
Diagnostics for model modification	105	(13)
Modification of illustrative model: fit improvement	118	(4)
Modification of illustrative model: model simplification	122	(7)
Model Cross-Validation	129	(14)
Cross-validating the illustrative model (final version)	131	(4)
Cross-validation and model comparison	135	(3)
Equivalent models	138	(4)
SIMPLIS input file for validation sample	142	(1)
An Introduction to Prelis 2	143	(14)
Thresholds for ordinal variables	156	(1)
References	157	(10)
Index	167