Advances in factor analysis and structural equation models

Abstract: A reference text for social scientists presents mathematical models as tools for stating and testing theories more precisely, in order to permit a more thorough understanding of sociological data. The 9 text chapters describe the current state-of-the art in estimating and testing causal models, and illustrate the use of these analytical techniques over a broad range of social science applications. The reported techniques are sufficiently general in their application for addressing latent factors, multiple indicators, measurement errors, reciprocal causation, and comparisons of multiple populations. The chapters are oganized under 3 central categories: 1) recent advances in factor analysis; 2) the development of structural equation models and their application in treating longitudinal data; 3) and new group comparison models. (wz).