Term: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2012-05-16

Definition:

Sometimes known as simultaneous equation modeling or analysis of covariance structures, it is a statistical technique for modeling complex relationships among variables. Some of the variables in SEM can be unobserved (latent). A response variable in one regression equation in an SEM can appear as a predictor in another equation. Indeed variables in SEM may influence one another either directly or through other variables as intermediaries.

For more information on SEM methods, please read the section titled Factors Associated With Outcomes in the How Are Manitoba's Children Doing? deliverable by MCHP.

Related concepts 

• Early Development Instrument (EDI) Outcomes

Related terms 

• Latent Construct
• Regression

References 

• Santos R, Brownell M, Ekuma O, Mayer T, Soodeen R-A. The Early Development Instrument (EDI) in Manitoba: Linking Socioeconomic Adversity and Biological Vulnerability at Birth to Children's Outcomes at Age 5. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2012. [Report] [Summary] (View)

Term used in 

• Brownell M, Chartier M, Santos R, Ekuma O, Au W, Sarkar J, MacWilliam L, Burland E, Koseva I, Guenette W. How are Manitoba's Children Doing? Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2012. [Report] [Summary] [Updates and Errata] [Additional Materials] (View)