Several steps are taken to develop methods for analyzing systems that involve probabilistic causation. The basic ideas and distinctions are illustrated for systems with dichotomous variables. It is shown that these basic ideas have analogous counterparts in causal systems with continuous variables. By using a generalized conditional probability…

This paper reports on attempts by the author to construct a theoretical framework of adult education participation using a theory development process and the corresponding multivariate statistical techniques. Two problems are identified: the lack of theoretical framework in studying problems, and the limiting of statistical analysis to univariate…

Argues that path analysis can clarify aspects of social processes but only if skilled practitioners use the models. The practitioners need to have better methodological training and statisticians need to contribute more to the training process. (RB)

Explains two methods of systems analysis: the Fix-Point (FP) and the Partial Least Squares (PLS). Argues against Freedman's rejection of the structural assumptions of path analysis models. (RB)

Freedman responds to a series of articles commenting on his critique of the path analysis model. The focus of this rejoinder is the assumptions made by researchers who use the path analysis method, particularly the assumption that the equations in path analysis are structural. (RB)

Using LISREL, the only types of constraints allowed are fixing parameters at a constant value and constraining parameters to be equal. In this paper, two new concepts ("phantom" and "imaginary" latent variables) are introduced which allow fairly general equality and inequality constraints on factor loadings and structural model…

A simplified introduction to path analysis, this article discusses the following: (1) basic rules, assumptions, and procedures; (2) strengths and weaknesses of the technique; (3) special considerations; (4) examples of path analysis in educational research; and (5) guidelines for constructing diagrams. (MCG)

Paper proposes a set of techniques for measuring the importance" of each independent variable in a multivariate causal law (i.e., a law showing the combined effect of several independent variables on a single dependent variable). (Authors)

This study illustrates the application of causal modeling techniques in testing a conceptual model of teaching using data collected in naturalistic, nonexperimental settings. (Author/GK)

Using data for 4,316 men and 4,782 women--from the 1975 Wisconsin Longitudinal Study of Social and Psychological Factors in Educational and Occupational Aspirations and Achievement--the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and fertility was assessed. The effect of education on family size predicts the direction of evolution of genotypic…

Two studies showed that positive and negative affectivity influenced occupational stress, role strain, and coping. Study 3 added job satisfaction to the model, strengthening its predictive validity. Study 4's addition of personality measures did not improve prediction of job satisfaction and strain. (SK)

This paper discusses the importance of the direct relationship between instructor discourse and learner discourse in the online learning environment during mandatory online discussions. It provides meaningful insights toward pedagogical theory and corresponding instructional practices associated with these two factors: (a) the extent of instructor…

We examined the nature of the temporal relations among the core person variables in the social cognitive model of academic and career choice [Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and performance [Monograph]. "Journal of Vocational Behavior," 45,…

The National Educational Longitudinal Study database was used to examine the educational development of students of low socioeconomic status (SES). A path analysis was conducted to determine the effects of student background, psychological, and behavioral variables on postsecondary educational attainment of low-SES students. The results show that…

Current research and theory suggest that the healthy path of autonomy development involves gradual negotiation of adolescents' independence "within" a context of continued family connection. This theory-generating study examined the role that adolescents' participation in youth programs plays in these adolescent-parent negotiations. Qualitative…