Comparing SEM to the

Univariate Model

data from Grace and Keeley (2006) Ecological Applications

1
A Graphical View of the Univariate Model

2
Initial Univariate Results

ns
ns

We might us a variety of criteria to decide

which paths to retain. Here we use t-tests. 3
Pruned Univariate Model

4
 What are the causal relationships?
Structural Equation Meta-Model (SEMM)

Within-plot
Hetero-
geneity
Landscape
Position
Species
Local Richness
Abiotic
Conditions

Stand Fire Plant

Age Severity Abundance

Landscape Conditions Local Conditions

5
Good time for thought experiments!
Our Structural Equation Model

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SEM Results

Are these results easier to interpret than

those from the multiple regression? 7
Some of the Amos Output

here we see indications,

in the form of p-values,
that all parameters
contribute significantly
to the model.

8
 But wait, is the model sufficient?

ask for residuals

and
modification
indices, then
rerun the model

Model chi-square (p = 0.057) suggests that model is marginally adequate.

But, we should perform some sensitivity tests by looking for indications of 9
poor fit and evaluating some alternatives (to be safe).
What do modification indices say?

MI values greater than

4 are suggestive, but these
values are only very
approximate "hints" of
whether modifications to
model would lead to
acceptance of additional
pathways.

All these MIs indicate that there may be a significant

residual correlation between heterogeneity and
total cover. We might want to see if there is a significant
residual correlation between the two and, if so, to consider
what process that would represent. 10
What do residuals say?

residuals ambiguous?.
11
Try alternative model

chi-square drops from 20.60 to 13.39,

that's a difference of 7.21, indicating a 12
significant improvement to the model.
Now we are ready to consider the results!

our unstandardized estimates

our standardized estimates

13
More results

covariance between
heterogeneity and
cover is significant.

14
And Still More Results

R2 for richness is pretty good, another

indicator of model adequacy.

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