AQM: Introduction to Structural Equation Modelling

Advance Qualitative Methods (AQM) Training for all Pathways

This introductory workshop on structural equation modelling using R. Structural equation models (SEMs) are a diverse class of statistical models that include path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and models with structural and measurement components. SEMs are often used to measure unobservable “latent” constructs, which can be used to test relationships between observed and unobserved variables. SEMs can also be used to test for mediation or indirect effects, as well as to simultaneously estimate complex systems of relationships (i.e., multiple outcomes of interest).

No prior experience with R is necessary (although it would be helpful to familiarise yourself with R and R Studio before the session; there are many free resources for learning R available online: http://tryr.codeschool.com). Please, BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP (and data, if possible) to the session.

This course will cover the following:

Overview of structural equation models (assumptions, diagnostics, etc.)
Installing and using the ‘lavaan’ package in R
Mediation and path analysis (X–>Y, aka structural models)
Confirmatory factor analysis (aka measurement models)
Estimating full structural equation models

Workshop Tutor

James Weinberg is a postdoctoral research associate on the Q-Step programme at the University of Sheffield and an Associate Fellow of the Sir Bernard Crick Centre. Alongside his interdisciplinary work in the field of political psychology, James has a keen research interest in the practice and politics of citizenship education.

James is Lead Fellow for citizenship on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Democratic Participation and he chairs its Political Literacy Oversight Group. James previously chaired the Political Studies Association’s Early Career Network from its inception in 2016 to July 2018, and he is currently a convener of both the Political Psychology and Young People & Politicsspecialist groups.

PLEASE NOTE: Students are responsible for arranging travel to and from this AQM training session. The WRDTP cannot reimburse travel costs in this instance.

This is an Advanced Qualitative Methods (AQM) training workshop open to PhD students aligned with any of the 7 interdisciplinary Pathways. For any queries regarding this training session please contact Andrew Bell via andrew.j.d.bell@sheffield.ac.uk