On the Estimation of Path Coefficients for Unmeasured Variables from Correlations Among Observed Variables

This paper discusses the use of unmeasured variables in path models. Problems of estimation of the path coefficients of a path model are explored when unmeasured variables are utilized as both causes and effects (intervening variables). The paper concludes with a discussion of conditions for the identification of a path model containing unmeasured variables and some remarks on the substantive interpretation of unmeasured variables.