structural equation modeling

Structural equation modeling (SEM) refers to a diverse set of unrelated computer algorithms and statistical methods that fit networks of constructs to data. SEM includes confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, partial least squares path analysis, LISREL and latent growth modeling. The term should not be confused with Structural Modeling in economics. Structural equation models are often used to assess unobservable 'latent' constructs. They often invoke a measurement model that defines latent variables using one or more observed variables, and a structural model that imputes relationships between latent variables. The links between constructs of a structural equation model may be estimated with independent regression equations or through more involved approaches such as those employed in LISREL.