1) According to Meyers et al., “…researchers are increasingly being drawn to path analysis as an alternative to multiple regression analysis.” What are the advantages of path analysis over multiple regression analysis?
2) Distinguish between direct and indirect effects. Do direct effects involve mediating variables? How do you recognize a direct effect in a path diagram? Are mediating variables involved in indirect effects? If so, how? How do you recognize an indirect effect in a path diagram? On page 558, Meyers et al. state that “there are three direct paths in Figure 12a.2 [page 555]: variable J to variable L, variable K to variable L, and variable L to variable M.” Is Meyers et al. right about that? Support your answer.
3) Looking at Figure 13a.1 (page 571), how many direct effects are there? How many indirect effects? Which variables have a correlation specified between them? How many error variables? Which variables are the exogenous variables in the path model? Which variables are the endogenous variables in the model?
4) Dissertations must be falsifiable. That is, the alternative hypotheses that are proposed must be testable and found to be supported or not supported. Path models propose a process by which variables effect the dependent variable(s), and just like particular hypotheses it is necessary that the quality or adequacy of proposed path models be evaluated. This is one important reason why path models must be overidentified, so that the model overall can be supported or not supported as a reasonable descriiption of effects on the dependent variable(s). Keith describes different ways of analyzing path models. Given the importance of path models being overidentified and testable as to their quality, would you recommend that a person use multiple regression or structural equation modeling programs for the analysis of path models? Specify reasons identified and described by Keith for your recommendation.
5) According to the videos on the assigned Playlist, how do moderation and mediation represent inquiries into complexity?
6) You are now starting to read about (and view) direct and indirect effects. Are you starting to see ways that proposing both types of effects might be relevant for a Dissertation? If yes, please describe. If no, why not?
