Peer cluster theory suggests that the socialization factors that accompany adolescent development interact to produce peer clusters that encourage or discourage drug involvement. Correlations of socialization variables, strength of the family, family sanctions against drug use, religious identification, and school adjustment with drug use confirm…

Presents a review of path analysis techniques using Hope's (1984) comparative study of schooling and social mobility in Scotland and the United States as a case study. Path analysis has been used in the social sciences to untangle complex cause and effect relationships. The limits of path analysis as a way to analyze complex social phenomena are…

A model that incorporates both socioenvironmental and psychological factors was developed in an attempt to explain adolescent suicide ideation. A sample of 407 high school students was used to test the model. (Author/LMO)

Current practice in structural modeling of variables is limited to means and covariances based on multivariate normality assumptions. This article extends structural equation models to higher order product moments and to non-normal distributions. Areas of possible research are described. (Author/JKS)

Tested a model of depression that included level of current problems and social problem solving. Path analysis of data from 205 undergraduates showed the model accounted for 42 percent of the variance associated with the prediction of depressive symptoms. (MCF)

Cognitive processing and language awareness in relation to reading were studied. Language awareness involved understanding of phonological representation, ambiguities, and incongruities. Second and fourth graders were administered seven "simultaneous-successive" tasks. Results showed a much greater direct effect from language awareness…

The study tests the appropriateness of multiplicative versus additive expectancy-valency models for grouping motivational force decisions of 82 undergraduate students. Arguments are offered favoring a non-nested regression models analysis over a traditional hierarchical analysis of nested regression models. Discriminant analysis indicated one of…

Examined a sample of dairy farm wives (N=126) regarding stress symptoms, husband support, farm and home task loads, and perceived role conflict between farm and home responsibilities. Results indicated that the content of home and work roles may not be as important as interpersonal dynamics in rural farm families. (LLL)

Describes a path analytic approach to a model of extramarital sexual permissiveness. Variables include age, gender, education, religiosity, political liberalism, premarital sexual permissiveness, autonomy, marital happiness, and power. (JAC)

Four approaches to prediction of learning success are described and discussed: the two-point model and the technique of multiple regression; the learning test model; the contingency model and the technique of time-series analysis; and the causally defined multipoint model and the technique of path analysis. (BW)

Path analyses revealed that one's tendency to conceal distressing information, psychological distress, and attitudes toward seeking help predicted intended use of counseling services for college students who had and had not previously been in counseling. Prospective analyses revealed attitudes toward seeking help predicted actual use of campus…

An empirical sampling approach was used to assess the accuracy of a Taylor approximation for the estimation of sampling errors. The sampling errors were in the statistics involved in estimating a path model based on medium-sized samples gathered using five sample designs commonly used in educational research. (TJH)

Path Analysis of Covariance Matrix (PACM) is described as a way to separately estimate measurement and structural models using standard least squares procedures. PACM was empirically compared to simultaneous maximum likelihood estimation and use of the LISREL computer program, and its advantages are identified. (SLD)

The logical flaw of using the methods of path analysis and structural equation modeling to make causative conclusions is demonstrated. A proper evaluation of the role of investigation versus experimentation is cited in the work of W. G. Cochran as explicated by D. R. Rubin (1983). (TJH)

The authors used path analysis procedures to construct and test a causal model of participation in vocational student organizations. Of the eight variables investigated, seven had significant effects. Sophomore year participation was the best indicator of senior year involvement as a participant or a leader. (Author/CH)