Structural Equation Modeling: Applications in Ecological and Evolutionary Biology

by Edited by Bruce H. Pugesek , Adrian Tomer , Alexander von Eye

• ISBN13: 9780521781336
• ISBN10: 0521781337
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-03-17
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book presents an introduction to the methodology of structural equation modeling, illustrates its use, and goes on to argue that it has revolutionary implications for the study of natural systems. A major theme of this book is that we have, up to this point, attempted to study systems primarily using methods (such as the univariate model) that were designed only for considering individual processes. Understanding systems requires the capacity to examine simultaneous influences and responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) has such capabilities. It also possesses many other traits that add strength to its utility as a means of making scientific progress. In light of the capabilities of SEM, it can be argued that much of ecological theory is currently locked in an immature state that impairs its relevance. It is further argued that the principles of SEM are capable of leading to the development and evaluation of multivariate theories of the sort vitally needed for the conservation of natural systems. Supplementary information can be found at the authors website,http://www.jamesbgrace.com/. - Details why multivariate analyses should be used to study ecological systems - Exposes unappreciated weakness in many current popular analyses - Emphasises the future methodological developments needed to advance our understanding of ecological systems

Table of Contents

List of contributors	ix
Preface	xi
Section 1: Theory	1	(140)
Structural equation modeling: an introduction	3	(39)
Scott L. Hershberger
George A. Marcoulides
Makeba M. Parramore
Concepts of structural equation modeling in biological research	42	(18)
Bruce H. Pugesek
Modeling a complex conceptual theory of population change in the Shiras moose: history and recasting as a structural equation model	60	(25)
Bruce H. Pugesek
A short history of structural equation models	85	(40)
Adrian Tomer
Guidelines for the implementation and publication of structural equation models	125	(16)
Adrian Tomer
Bruce H. Pugesek
Section 2: Applications	141	(212)
Modeling intraindividual variability and change in bio-behavioral developmental processes	143	(28)
Patricia H. Hawley
Todd D. Little
Examining the relationship between environmental variables and ordination axes using latent variables and structural equation modeling	171	(23)
James B. Grace
From biological hypotheses to structural equation models: the imperfection of causal translation	194	(18)
Bill Shipley
Analyzing dynamic systems: a comparison of structural equation modeling and system dynamics modeling	212	(23)
Peter S. Hovmand
Estimating analysis of variance models as structural equation models	235	(46)
Michael J. Rovine
Peter C. M. Molenaar
Comparing groups using structural equations	281	(16)
James B. Grace
Modeling means in latent variable models of natural selection	297	(15)
Bruce H. Pugesek
Modeling manifest variables in longitudinal designs -- a two-stage approach	312	(41)
Bret E. Fuller
Alexander von Eye
Phillip K. Wood
Bobby D. Keeland
Section 3: Computing	353	(39)
A comparison of the SEM software packages Amos, EQS, and LISREL	355	(37)
Alexander von Eye
Bret E. Fuller
Index	392