Structural Equation Modeling

Presents a useful guide for applications of SEM whilst systematically demonstrating various SEM models using M plus Focusing on the conceptual and practical aspects of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this book demonstrates basic concepts and examples of various SEM models, along with updates on many advanced methods, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with categorical items, bifactor model, Bayesian CFA model, item response theory (IRT) model, graded response model (GRM), multiple imputation (MI) of missing values, plausible values of latent variables, moderated mediation model, Bayesian SEM, latent growth modeling (LGM) with individually varying times of observations, dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM), residual dynamic structural equation modeling (RDSEM), testing measurement invariance of instrument with categorical variables, longitudinal latent class analysis (LLCA), latent transition analysis (LTA), growth mixture modeling (GMM) with covariates and distal outcome, manual implementation of the BCH method and the three-step method for mixture modeling, Monte Carlo simulation power analysis for various SEM models, and estimate sample size for latent class analysis (LCA) model. The statistical modeling program Mplus Version 8. 2 is featured with all models updated. It provides researchers with a flexible tool that allows them to analyze data with an easy-to-use interface and graphical displays of data and analysis results. Intended as both a teaching resource and a reference guide, and written in non-mathematical terms, Structural Equation Modeling: Applications Using Mplus, 2nd edition provides step-by-step instructions of model specification, estimation, evaluation, and modification. Chapters cover: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA); Structural Equation Models (SEM); SEM for Longitudinal Data; Multi-Group Models; Mixture Models; and Power Analysis and Sample Size Estimate for SEM. Presents a useful reference guide for applications of SEM while systematically demonstrating various advanced SEM models Discusses and demonstrates various SEM models using both cross-sectional and longitudinal data with both continuous and categorical outcomes Provides step-by-step instructions of model specification and estimation, as well as detailed interpretation of M plus results using real data sets Introduces different methods for sample size estimate and statistical power analysis for SEM Structural Equation Modeling is an excellent book for researchers and graduate students of SEM who want to understand the theory and learn how to build their own SEM models using M plus.

This book presents an introduction to structural equation modeling (SEM) and facilitates the access of students and researchers in various scientific fields to this powerful statistical tool. It offers a didactic initiation to SEM as well as to the open-source software, lavaan, and the rich and comprehensive technical features it offers. Structural Equation Modeling with lavaan thus helps the reader to gain autonomy in the use of SEM to test path models and dyadic models, perform confirmatory factor analyses and estimate more complex models such as general structural models with latent variables and latent growth models. SEM is approached both from the point of view of its process (i.e. the different stages of its use) and from the point of view of its product (i.e. the results it generates and their reading).

A reference guide for applications of SEM using Mplus Structural Equation Modeling: Applications Using Mplus is intended as both a teaching resource and a reference guide. Written in non-mathematical terms, this book focuses on the conceptual and practical aspects of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Basic concepts and examples of various SEM models are demonstrated along with recently developed advanced methods, such as mixture modeling and model-based power analysis and sample size estimate for SEM. The statistical modeling program, Mplus, is also featured and provides researchers with a flexible tool to analyze their data with an easy-to-use interface and graphical displays of data and analysis results. Key features: Presents a useful reference guide for applications of SEM whilst systematically demonstrating various advanced SEM models, such as multi-group and mixture models using Mplus. Discusses and demonstrates various SEM models using both cross-sectional and longitudinal data with both continuous and categorical outcomes. Provides step-by-step instructions of model specification and estimation, as well as detail interpretation of Mplus results. Explores different methods for sample size estimate and statistical power analysis for SEM. By following the examples provided in this book, readers will be able to build their own SEM models using Mplus. Teachers, graduate students, and researchers in social sciences and health studies will also benefit from this book.

This book provides clear instructions to researchers on how to apply Structural Equation Models (SEMs) for analyzing the inter relationships between observed and latent variables. Basic and Advanced Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling introduces basic and advanced SEMs for analyzing various kinds of complex data, such as ordered and unordered categorical data, multilevel data, mixture data, longitudinal data, highly non-normal data, as well as some of their combinations. In addition, Bayesian semiparametric SEMs to capture the true distribution of explanatory latent variables are introduced, whilst SEM with a nonparametric structural equation to assess unspecified functional relationships among latent variables are also explored. Statistical methodologies are developed using the Bayesian approach giving reliable results for small samples and allowing the use of prior information leading to better statistical results. Estimates of the parameters and model comparison statistics are obtained via powerful Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods in statistical computing. Introduces the Bayesian approach to SEMs, including discussion on the selection of prior distributions, and data augmentation. Demonstrates how to utilize the recent powerful tools in statistical computing including, but not limited to, the Gibbs sampler, the Metropolis-Hasting algorithm, and path sampling for producing various statistical results such as Bayesian estimates and Bayesian model comparison statistics in the analysis of basic and advanced SEMs. Discusses the Bayes factor, Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), and $L_\nu$-measure for Bayesian model comparison. Introduces a number of important generalizations of SEMs, including multilevel and mixture SEMs, latent curve models and longitudinal SEMs, semiparametric SEMs and those with various types of discrete data, and nonparametric structural equations. Illustrates how to use the freely available software WinBUGS to produce the results. Provides numerous real examples for illustrating the theoretical concepts and computational procedures that are presented throughout the book. Researchers and advanced level students in statistics, biostatistics, public health, business, education, psychology and social science will benefit from this book.

Modelling and Estimation of Damage in Structures is a comprehensiveguide to solving the type of modelling and estimation problems associated with the physics of structural damage. Provides a model-based approach to damage identification Presents an in-depth treatment of probability theory and random processes Covers both theory and algorithms for implementing maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation approaches Includes experimental examples of all detection and identification approaches Provides a clear means by which acquired data can be used to make decisions regarding maintenance and usage of a structure

Written for the practicing architect, Structural Design addresses the process on both a conceptual and a mathematical level. Most importantly, it helps architects work with structural consultants and understand all the necessary considerations when designing structural systems. Using a minimum of simple math, this book shows you how to make correct design calculations for structures made from steel, wood, concrete, and masonry. What?s more, this edition has been completely updated to reflect the latest design methods and codes, including LRFD for steel design. The book was also re-designed for easy navigation. Essential principles, as well as structural solutions, are visually reinforced with hundreds of drawings, photographs, and other illustrations–making this book truly architect-friendly.

A concise introduction to structural dynamics and earthquake engineering Basic Structural Dynamics serves as a fundamental introduction to the topic of structural dynamics. Covering single and multiple-degree-of-freedom systems while providing an introduction to earthquake engineering, the book keeps the coverage succinct and on topic at a level that is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students. Through dozens of worked examples based on actual structures, it also introduces readers to MATLAB, a powerful software for solving both simple and complex structural dynamics problems. Conceptually composed of three parts, the book begins with the basic concepts and dynamic response of single-degree-of-freedom systems to various excitations. Next, it covers the linear and nonlinear response of multiple-degree-of-freedom systems to various excitations. Finally, it deals with linear and nonlinear response of structures subjected to earthquake ground motions and structural dynamics-related code provisions for assessing seismic response of structures. Chapter coverage includes: Single-degree-of-freedom systems Free vibration response of SDOF systems Response to harmonic loading Response to impulse loads Response to arbitrary dynamic loading Multiple-degree-of-freedom systems Introduction to nonlinear response of structures Seismic response of structures If you're an undergraduate or graduate student or a practicing structural or mechanical engineer who requires some background on structural dynamics and the effects of earthquakes on structures, Basic Structural Dynamics will quickly get you up to speed on the subject without sacrificing important information.

The essential introduction to the understanding of the structure of inorganic solids and materials. This revised and updated 2nd Edition looks at new developments and research results within Structural Inorganic Chemistry in a number of ways, special attention is paid to crystalline solids, elucidation and description of the spatial order of atoms within a chemical compound. Structural principles of inorganic molecules and solids are described through traditional concepts, modern bond-theoretical theories, as well as taking symmetry as a leading principle.

This second edition of the highly acclaimed and successful first edition, deals primarily with the analysis of structural engineering systems, with applicable methods to other types of structures. The concepts presented in the book are not only relevant to skeletal structures but can equally be used for the analysis of other systems such as hydraulic and electrical networks. The book has been substantially revised to include recent developments and applications of the algebraic graph theory and matroids.