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Path Analysis
The combination of regression analysis with a graphic causal model. Like all forms of regression analysis, path analysis predicts or explains a dependent (or outcome) variable using information about one or more independent (or predictor) variables. The graphic model allows researchers to study both the direct and the indirect effects of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Figure 1 is a simple path diagram measuring the effects on adult income (dependent variable) of education and parents' income (independent variables).
Figure 1Path Diagram
The diagram shows that parents' income influences adult income directly, and indirectly through education. Is the direct effect stronger or the indirect effect? This can be determined by the numbers on the arrows; these are path coefficients, which are standardized regression coefficients. The ...