Application of structural equation modeling in educational research and practice

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is a statistical approach to testing hypothesis about the relationships among observed and latent variables. The use of SEM in research has increased in psychology, sociology, and economics in recent years. In particular educational researchers try to obtain the complete image of the process of education through the measurement of personality differences, learning environment, motivation levels and host of other variables that affect the teaching and learning process. With the use of survey instruments and interviews with students, teachers and other stakeholders as a lens, educators can assess and gain valuable information about the social ecology of the classrooms that could help in improving the instructional approach, classroom management and the learning organizations. A considerable number of research have been conducted to identify the factors and interactions between students’ characteristics, personal preferences, affective traits, study skills, and various other factors that could help in better educational performance. In recent years, educational researchers use Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as a statistical technique to explore the complex and dynamic nature of interactions in educational research and practice. SEM is becoming a powerful analytical tool and making methodological advances in multivariate analysis. This book presents the collective works on concepts, methodologies and applications of SEM in educational research and practice. The anthology of current research described in this book will be a valuable resource for the next generation educational practitioners.