ME-632 PhD Structural Equation Modelling in R

Anbefalte forkunnskaper

Student are expected to have knowledge in common theories in their topic of interest and have taken at least one course in statistical methods at Masters level.

Innhold

This is a five-day course on structural equation modelling (SEM) using the freely available open source R software. This course provides an in-depth understanding of SEM as a research method. The primary objectives for this course are (1) to provide the students with the knowledge to properly identify the areas of application for SEM, (2) to equip the students with the theoretical and technical background needed to conduct SEM using the R software, and (3) finally, to correctly evaluate and interpret SEM results produced from the R and other related software. The tentative course structure is presented in the table below.

Day 1

 Introduction to SEM  Introduction to RStudio  Required data analysis for SEM in RStudio (data cleaning, normality check, t-tests, anova etc.)

Day 2

 Introduction to the lavaan package  Path analysis (regression, moderation, mediation)  Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) Day 3

 Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)  Response bias check  Common method bias check  Latent variable descriptive statistics  Convergent and divergent validity check  Reliability check  Structural equation modelling (SEM)

Day 4

 Measurement invariance check  Multi-group CFA  Multi-group SEM  Students present their SEM model

Day 5

 Introduction to latent growth modelling  Students estimate their SEM model in class

Applicants with relevant scientific background can be considered if the resources are available.

Læringsutbytte

On successful completion of the course, the students should be able to:

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of structural equation modelling as a method for analyzing latent variables. • Conduct basic statistical analysis required for SEM using R software, • Conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using R software, • Conduct structural Equation Modelling using R software, • Conduct multi-group confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling in R software, • Demonstrate basic understanding of latent growth models,

Vilkår for å gå opp til eksamen

In-class presentation on Day 4. Pass/fail, where pass equals the letter grade B or better.

Undervisnings- og læringsformer

Each session will be a combination of theoretical lectures and practical analysis using the R software. Each session will usually be 8 hours (09:00-17.00) including a lunch break of 45 minutes.

Opptakskrav hvis tilbudt som enkeltemne

PhD candidates. Applicants with relevant scientific background can be considered if the resources are available.

Eksamen

The final exam is an individual take home exam that counts 100% of the final grade. Students are expected to write a working/conference paper on a topic relevant for their PhD using SEM in R. The paper should demonstrate merit of being published in a peer-review journal at a later stage.