Driving Fast in Reverse

Abstract

Structural equation modeling is one of the most widely used statistical techniques in the social sciences, especially psychology. Its popularity and complexity have spawned a large number of “user-friendly” computer programs, training seminars, introductory textbooks, edited volumes, and an internet discussion group (SEMNET). A review of several introductory textbooks and an edited volume raises disturbing questions about the interplay between commercial development, statistical theory, and “practical” statistical education in this field.