Who is the course aimed at?
This course is aimed at two distinct groups; those seeking a beginners'
course in Path Analysis techniques such as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA); and those with some previous experience of Structural Equation Modelling who wish to learn to use the powerful and elegant Mplus software, which can be employed in an incredibly wide range of model fitting scenarios.
Course level:
A basic knowledge of Exploratory Factor Analysis and the ideas behind
multiple regression analysis will be advantageous to participants. No previous knowledge or experience with SEM or the Mplus software is assumed.
Course content and aims:
The course will cover the following topics:
Introduction to Path Analysis - what is it and why do we need it?
Assessing the fit of a Structural Equation Model
Comparing competing Structural Equation Models
Preparing and importing data into Mplus from SPSS
Getting started with analysis in Mplus - the basics of the software
Fitting a simple Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Mplus
Fitting a simple Structural Equation Model in Mplus
Testing for indirect effects in Structural Equation Models
Fitting Structural Equation Models with missing data
Including Categorical variables in Structural Equation Models
Multiple group analysis
The course comprises of a mixture of short lectures on the
basic theory behind Structural Equation Models, teaching via examples worked through by
the trainer on real data sets which participants can follow, and exercises to practice the
skills just learned.
Purchasing the courses gives you permament access to approximately 8 hours of
pre-recorded lectures and demonstrations. You will also receive a 70-page coursebook containing all the notes and worked examples, providing an easy reference for the basics of performing SEM in Mplus, and as a reminder for the techniques you have learned.
Course schedule:
Including time for you to complete the various end-of-section exercises, the course should take approximately 8-10 hours to complete, though you can obviously choose to work through it in a number of shorter sessions.
The teacher:
Dr Chris Stride has been using Mplus in his work as a statistician and data manager for the last two decades.
He has particular experience and expertise in teaching non-statisticians from the fields of psychology, HR, management
and the social sciences. Chris is a Chartered Statistician, and has run over 200 public training courses
around the world, at national and international conferences, and on an inhouse basis for Universities and the public sector.
