Introduction to Structural Equation Models

Social and behavioral scientists routinely grapple with abstract concepts—like depression, democracy, or organizational culture—that resist simple measurement and often exist within intricate webs of relationships. Introduction to Structural Equation Models by Shawn Bauldry offers a comprehensive and accessible entry point into the world of SEMs, blending statistical rigor with practical application. Designed for graduate students and researchers, this volume guides readers through the process of translating complex theoretical frameworks into testable statistical models, fitting models to data, and evaluating model fit.

The book is structured around the SEM workflow, from model specification and identification to estimation and evaluation, with each chapter building systematically on the last. Readers benefit from a balanced approach: advanced mathematical concepts are paired with concrete, worked examples, and each chapter concludes with suggestions for further reading.