Structural Equation Modeling and Natural Systems结构方程模型与自然体系2006

出版时间：2006-9  出版社：Cambridge Univ Pr  作者：Grace, James  页数：365  
Tag标签：无  

内容概要

This book presents an introduction to the methodology of structural equation modeling, illustrates its use, and goes on to argue that it has revolutionary implications for the study of natural systems. A major theme of this book is that we have, up to this point, attempted to study systems primarily using methods (such as the univariate model) that were designed only for considering individual processes. Understanding systems requires the capacity to examine simultaneous influences and responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) has such capabilities. It also possesses many other traits that add strength to its utility as a means of making scientific progress. In light of the capabilities of SEM, it can be argued that much of ecological theory is currently locked in an immature state that impairs its relevance. It is further argued that the principles of SEM are capable of leading to the development and evaluation of multivariate theories of the sort vitally needed for the conservation of natural systems. Supplementary information can be found at the authors website, accessible via www.cambridge.org/9780521837422. - Details why multivariate analyses should be used to study ecological systems - Exposes unappreciated weakness in many current popular analyses - Emphasises the future methodological developments needed to advance our understanding of ecological systems.　　作者简介：　　James B. 'Jim' Grace obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Presbyterian College, his Master's of Science degree from Clemson University, and his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He served on the faculty at the University of Arkansas and later at Louisiana State University, where he reached the rank of Professor. He has, for the past several years, worked at the US Geological Survey's National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA where he is a Senior Research Ecologist. He holds an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Louisiana in the Biology Department.

书籍目录

PART I  A BEGINNING　1　Introduction　2  An example model with observed variablesPART II  BASIC PRINCIPLES OF STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING　3  The anatomy of models I: observed variable models　4  The anatomy of models Ih latent variables　5  Principles of estimation and model assessmentPART III  ADVANCED TOPICS　6  Composite variables and their uses　7  Additional techniques for complex situationsPART IV  APPLICATIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS　8　Model evaluation in practice　9　Multivariate experiments　10　The systematic use of SEM: an example　11　Cautions and recommendationsPART V  THE IMPLICATIONS OF STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING FOR THE STUDY OF NATURAL SYSTEMS　12   How can SEM contribute to scientific advancement?　13   Frontiers in the application of SEMAppendix I  Example analysesReferencesIndex