Give Me Attitude: Making Smart Use of Structural Equation Modeling and Other Tools When Analyzing Survey Data

• DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/jahf7_v2
• Publication Date: 2025-04-03T14:27:12Z
• Authors: Nathan Favero
• Keywords: Survey data collection

Many researchers were trained primarily in the tools of either econometric-style regression or psychology-inspired structural equation modeling (SEM). Given that quantitative research public policy and administration regularly draws on both traditions modeling, frequently find themselves position reading evaluating studies utilize they don’t understand well. This study aims to address this problem through a detailed comparison each set tools, with examples offered reanalysis two datasets used prior studies. I argue many cases, econometric SEM yield similar substantive conclusions, though also tend be answer slightly different questions. Econometric fit more naturally designs intended probe issues causality, while is better suited generating descriptions patterns associations among several variables. encourages think carefully about mediation measurement, it offers greater flexibility correcting for measurement error. At same time, error real world typically even complicated than what can account for. Econometrics offer options dealing realize, models terms number type variables realistically analyzed. The provides practical guidelines analyzing hard-to-measure constructs—guidelines which by regardless disciplinary tradition statistical draw on.