Core reporting practices in structural equation modeling

Abstract

Background: Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a popular analysis technique because of the wide range of questions that it can help answer. There are several pieces of information specific to SEM that should be reported when this technique is used.

Objectives: To demonstrate a basic framework for reporting SEM analyses, to provide definitions of key terms readers will encounter, and to illustrate 2 examples for reporting SEM results.

Methods: Data from 650 participants who completed 3 self-report surveys were used to test a confirmatory factor analysis and a structural model as examples of information to be reported.

Results: The results displayed are requisite information for any SEM analysis.

Conclusions: It is important for investigators to provide this information so that readers can properly evaluate the results and conclusions based on the analyses.