Structural equation modeling, also known as SEM, is increasingly being used in research, particularly in the social sciences. SEM allows for the estimation of complex relationships between measured variables and latent constructs. In this workshop, we will introduce the components of the SEM framework. We will also go over a practical implementation of SEM in R, using the lavaan package. Specifically, we will focus on factor and mediation analyses.

 Outline:

1. Latent variable and the basic elements of an SEM
2. Practical demonstration of Factor Analysis in R using lavaan
3. Extension of Factor Analysis – Mediation