Deck 8: Path Analysis

Question 1

Path analysis begins with the researcher developing a diagram with arrows connecting variables and depicting cause-and-effect.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

The assumed causal model, when stated as an equation, is often referred to as a structural equation and is typically stated in its unstandardized form.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

In the specific language of causal modeling, the variable that is being explained by the model is referred to as the exogenous variable.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

In the specific language of causal modeling, all variables not explained by the model are referred to as the endogenous variables.

Question 5

A path diagram is absolutely necessary for causal modeling analysis.

Question 6

Path analysis builds on the simpler version of causal modeling by modeling both direct and indirect causal effects among variables.

Question 7

Correct specification of the overall model in path analysis requires that each endogenous variable in the model be correctly specified.

Question 8

Structural equation modeling is sometimes referred to as latent variable modeling.

Question 9

A latent variable is a variable that cannot actually be measured but can only be approximated with actual measures.

Question 10

In structural equation modeling, a diagram is set up such that latent variables are combinations of observable, measurable variables.

Question 11

One of the assumptions of path analysis is that the errors are correlated with the independent variables.

Question 12

Another assumption of path analysis is that the IVs are measured with error.

Question 13

The degree of confidence we can have in the causal inferences drawn from the results of path analysis is similar to the confidence in inferences drawn from an experimental study.

Question 14

One commonly used approach to determining the reproduced correlations between two variables in path analysis involves the identification of all legitimate paths between the variables in the model in a process referred to as path tracing or path composition.

Question 15

In any model that contains more than one exogenous variable in path analysis, the associated explained correlations among them will result in a degree of undeterminability with respect to the resolution of the direct and indirect effects of endogenous variables on endogenous variables.

Question 16

If it is determined that a model does not fit the data, consideration should be given to retaining included paths and incorporating excluded paths.

Question 17

If a path coefficient is not statistically significant, one should consider dropping it from the model unless there is strong theoretical support for its inclusion.

Question 18

Once you have conducted all the regression analyses for the initial path model, the path (β) coefficients with the respective level of significance should be noted within the path model.

Question 19

Once a consistent model has been generated, the specific causal effects for each endogenous variable are determined with respect to direct, indirect, and total effects.

Question 20

The summary of results for path analysis should first discuss the initial model.

Question 21

In presenting path analysis results, one must only describe how reproduced correlations were consistent with empirical correlations.

Question 22

Path analysis is a technique that is exploratory in nature.

Question 23

A curved line with two arrowheads in a path diagram represents an indirect effect.

Question 24

If several reproduced correlations differ from empirical correlations by more than .05, then the model is consistent with the empirical data.

Question 25

When a model has many reproduced correlations that significantly differ from the empirical data, the model is said to be consistent with empirical data.

Question 26

Causal modeling techniques examine whether:

A) A pattern of correlations among variables fits the researcher's underlying theory of which variables are causing other variables.
B) A pattern of intercorrelations among variables fits the researcher's underlying theory of which variables are causing other variables.
C) Neither of the above is correct.
D) One variable causes another.

Question 27

Legitimate paths in path analysis are those that do not violate which of the three following rules?

A) No path may pass through the same variable more than once.
B) No path may go backward on an arrow after going forward on another arrow.
C) No path may include more than one double-headed curved arrow.
D) All three are correct.

Question 28

The simplest version of the causal modeling technique is one in which:

A) Only direct causal effects are represented.
B) Both direct and indirect effects are represented.
C) The causal model is represented by a single regression equation in which the IVs are the causes of the DV.
D) None of the above.

Question 29

An indirect effect in path analysis occurs when a variable affects an endogenous variable through its effect on some other variable, known as:

A) A moderating variable.
B) An intervening variable.
C) A constant.
D) A dependent variable.

Question 30

Misspecification, a limitation encountered with path analysis occurs when:

A) It is concluded that a model is not consistent with the empirical data.
B) It is concluded that a model did not specify what the empirical data is.
C) The variables are incorrectly specified.
D) There are too few variables in the equation.