A Comprehensive Review of A Beginner’s Guide to Structural Equation Modeling

Enhancing Accessibility for New Researchers

บทคัดย่อ

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is an essential statistical tool in social science research, but its complexity can often intimidate beginners. "A Beginner’s Guide to Structural Equation Modeling" by Randall E. Schumacker and Richard G. Lomax addresses this challenge by offering an accessible introduction to SEM for those with limited statistical backgrounds. This review assesses the book's effectiveness in breaking down the intricacies of SEM into understandable concepts while providing practical, real-world examples and step-by-step guidance. Key strengths of the book include its clear explanations, hands-on software tutorials, and the inclusion of foundational SEM topics such as model specification, estimation, and assessment of model fit. However, specific advanced issues, such as multi-group SEM and latent growth models, are simplified, and broader coverage of SEM software alternatives like SmartPLS and R’s lavaan would enhance the book’s utility. Despite these limitations, the book is an excellent resource for graduate students, early-career researchers, and professionals new to SEM, offering a solid foundation for further exploration into more complex aspects of SEM. Overall, this guide successfully lowers the entry barrier for beginners, providing them the tools to conduct fundamental SEM analyses confidently.

Keywords: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), beginner’s Guide, statistical Analysis