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Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling (using EQS)

Semester

Semester 2, 2025-2026

Type of course

Methodological and Practical Courses

Date

June 19, 2026

Location

Leiden University

Duration

1 day

Maximum number of participants

8

ECTS

0.5 EC will be appointed for participation in the complete course

Staff

Edwin Boezeman (LEI)

Content

Many research journals require that survey researchers analyze their survey data, and test their hypotheses, with structural equation modeling (SEM). SEM belongs to the family of regression analysis techniques, and is often preferred because it allows for an overall test of a hypothesized path model plus the tests of the hypothesized direct and indirect (i.e., mediation) interrelations between model variables. Thus, a SEM-analysis is more straightforward but also more rigorous than an analysis involving a series of multiple regression analyses and/or mediation analyses (as with Hayes’ PROCESS when having multiple independent variables). Therefore, in the current workshop students will learn a) about SEM as method for data analysis, b) how to apply SEM using the EQS software, c) how research journals would like researchers to report about SEM, and d) how to do the SEM in such a way that reviewers will like, and hopefully not reject, your survey research paper.      

  

Learning goals 

1) Basic understanding of SEM as method for data analysis (survey data) 

2) Basic EQS statistical software skills for conducting SEM 

3) Knowledge of how to report about SEM in research manuscripts 

4) Knowledge of the SEM “do’s and don’ts” of reviewers  

 

Preparation

Read the brief guide of Westen and Gore (2006) and the example article of Boezeman and Ellemers (2007). 

  • Boezeman, E.J. & Ellemers, N. (2007). Volunteering for charity: Pride, respect and the commitment of volunteers. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92, 771-785.
  • Weston, R. & Gore, P. A. (2006). A brief guide to structural equation modeling. The Counseling Psychologist, 34, 719-751.

 

If there are more PhDs interested in participating than available places, distribution will be based on seniority for this course. This means that we look at how long someone is a KLI member.