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Finding Our Way: An Introduction to Path Analysis
Journal article

Finding Our Way: An Introduction to Path Analysis

Abstract

Path analysis is an extension of multiple regression. It goes beyond regression in that it allows for the analysis of more complicated models. In particular, it can examine situations in which there are several final dependent variables and those in which there are "chains" of influence, in that variable A influences variable B, which in turn affects variable C. Despite its previous name of "causal modelling," path analysis cannot be used to establish causality or even to determine whether a specific model is correct; it can only determine whether the data are consistent with the model. However, it is extremely powerful for examining complex models and for comparing different models to determine which one best fits the data. As with many techniques, path analysis has its own unique nomenclature, assumptions, and conventions, which are discussed in this paper.

Authors

Streiner DL

Journal

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 115–122

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Publication Date

January 1, 2005

DOI

10.1177/070674370505000207

ISSN

0706-7437

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