Causality, Confirmation, Credulity, and Structural Equation Modeling

BIDDLE, BRUCE J., and MARLIN, MARJORIE M. Causality, Confirmation, Credulity, and Structural Equation Modeling. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1987, 58, 4-17. Increased use for the techniques of structural equation modeling have recently appeared in behavioral science journals. These techniques include causal modeling, path diagrams, ordinary least-squares regression analysis, and powerful methods for model analysis such as LISREL. These techniques offer significant advantages, and yet they appear to be misunderstood and misused by many persons. Advantages and problems associated with these techniques are discussed. Criteria are noted that may be used for judging the success of structural equation modeling. Legitimate advances and credulity are examined as reasons for enthusiasm for the techniques of structural equation modeling.