Linganisha mbinu

	Path Analysis	Uchanganuzi wa Kimuundo wa Milongozo (SEM)
Nyanja	Takwimu	Takwimu za Utafiti
Familia	Latent structure	Process / pipeline
Mwaka wa asili	1921	1921
Mwanzilishi	Sewall Wright	Sewall Wright
Aina	Causal / mediation model	Method
Chanzo asilia	Wright, S. (1921). Correlation and causation. Journal of Agricultural Research, 20(7), 557–585.	Jöreskog, K. G., & Sörbom, D. (1973). LISREL: A general computer program for estimating a linear structural equation system. Research Bulletin 73-5. University of Stockholm.
Majina mbadala	PA, path coefficient analysis, observed-variable SEM, causal path modeling	SEM, path analysis, latent variable modeling, causal modeling
Zinazohusiana	5	3
Muhtasari	Path analysis tests a researcher-specified causal diagram among observed variables by decomposing their intercorrelations into direct effects, indirect (mediated) effects, and spurious associations. Developed by Sewall Wright in 1921, it is the observed-variable special case of structural equation modeling and remains a standard tool for theory-driven multivariate causal inference.	Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a comprehensive statistical framework combining path analysis (Sewall Wright, 1921) and confirmatory factor analysis to test complex causal models linking observed and latent variables. Formalized by Jöreskog (1973) with LISREL software, SEM enables simultaneous estimation of measurement relationships (how variables measure latent constructs) and structural relationships (how constructs influence outcomes), making it powerful for theory testing in psychology, epidemiology, organizational research, and health sciences where complex mediation, moderation, and latent processes require integrated analysis.