Title
Why you should consider SEM: A guide to getting started
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
5-22-2006
Abstract
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) offers researchers additional flexibility and enhanced research conclusions, yet it is still underutilized in accounting. This may be in part because many researchers are not sufficiently familiar with SEM. SEM can be difficult to apply, especially if the research study was not appropriately planned to accommodate the necessary assumptions and data requirements. This article helps researchers overcome some barriers to using SEM by providing a simple guide to effectively planning a study suitable for an SEM analysis while also suggesting references and additional reading on the topic. To further encourage the use of SEM, the practical benefits of using SEM over the traditional regression approach for some research situations are also explained. Finally, a comparison of a regression and an SEM analysis of the same data testing the same theoretical model is included in the Appendices A and B in order to compare the differences in the research conclusions obtained by the two methods of analysis. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Advances in Accounting Behavioral Research
Volume
9
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Blanthorne, Cindy, L. Allison Jones-Farmer, and Elizabeth Dreike Almer. "Why you should consider SEM: A guide to getting started." Advances in Accounting Behavioral Research 9, (2006): 179-207. doi: 10.1016/S1475-1488(06)09007-7.