Theory Should Lead Conceptualization for SEM Model

A problem you will see with many SEM studies is when a model is conceptualized apart from any theory. A theory should be a guide to understanding a phenomenon of interest and ulti- mately help to explain why two variables are influencing each other. Sadly, it seems like many SEM models are conceptualized first and then retrofitted to a theory. What typically takes place is that only part of a theory is actually tested, or SEM results are found but are weakly tied to theory that is supposed to explain the relationships.Without understanding the theory first, you are relying solely on the findings of your data, which could lead to erroneous results. As shown earlier with spurious relationships, sometimes examining the data alone can lead to wrong conclusions. Theory should be your guidepost to the conceptualization of a model along with the explanation between concepts. As a researcher, SEM should be used to confirm theory or expand our knowledge by revising theory, and in some instances to develop new theories. Trying to conceptualize a SEM model before understanding the theory that is going to drive the results is similar to the analogy of putting the cart in front of the horse. A theory should be the foundation of the research that everything else is subsequently built upon to understand a relationship or series of relationships.

Source: Thakkar, J.J. (2020). “Procedural Steps in Structural Equation Modelling”. In: Structural Equation Modelling. Studies in Systems, Decision and Control, vol 285. Springer, Singapore.

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