Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling (4th Edition) by Rex B. Kline: A Book Review

บทคัดย่อ

This article reviews Rex B. Kline’s Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling (4th Edition), a seminal text widely regarded as an essential resource for understanding and applying structural equation modeling (SEM). With its emphasis on conceptual clarity and practical application, the book caters to researchers, practitioners, and students across disciplines such as psychology, education, and business. Kline's step-by-step approach simplifies complex statistical concepts, making the book accessible to beginners while providing practical tools for intermediate users. Key strengths include integrating software tools Amos, Mplus, lavaan, and others and including recent advancements such as Judea Pearl’s structural causal model (SCM) and causal mediation analysis. These updates position the book as a forward-looking resource in the field of SEM. While the book excels in accessibility and pedagogical value, it offers limited depth in advanced techniques such as Bayesian SEM and multilevel modeling, which might leave seasoned statisticians seeking additional resources. Nevertheless, its comprehensive treatment of topics like confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), measurement invariance, and bootstrap estimation makes it indispensable for applied researchers. The text bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping readers with the skills to effectively design, analyze, and interpret SEM models. This review highlights the book's strengths and limitations, offering insights into its relevance for various audiences. It concludes that Kline’s work remains a foundational text in SEM, ideal for those seeking a practical, user-friendly guide to mastering this powerful statistical technique.