Principal speaker
Associate Professor Sama Low-Choy
Other speakers
Daniel Phipps
This session starts with a non-mathematical introduction to the underlying logic: revisiting variables and dependence, association vs causality, assumptions vs evidence of causality, and issues such as falsification or accumulation of evidence, counterfactuals and experiments. Then we distil the basic building blocks of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), and their representation both in pictures and in the simple math of a regression model, avoiding the math of computation.
To consolidate these ideas, we interpret existing and news SEMs in terms of basic logics, graphics and mathematics.
There will be 3 parts to this session:
- Logical meaning of SEM;
- Representing SEM using pictures;
- Interpreting the basic maths in the model (not the computing) of SEM.
The seminar will end with an activity, so that those wishing to stay can put their new learnings into practice.
Recommended Prerequisites: For absolute beginners attendance of the What is SEM seminar is recommended.