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(More customer reviews)This book is a wonderful introduction to the utility and conceptual simplicty of SEM for ecologists. There are plenty of deep topics that Grace covers with through explanations that will bring the novice up to speed. While the book does not offer much by the way of actual exampled for software, the associated website, http://www.jamesbgrace.com/ , containing code that works for both AMOS and MPLUS, much of which can also be implemented in R with the SEM module and a little patience and elbow-grease. The only area where the book falls short is on detail that one may desire for more in depth knowledge of just what is going on under the hood in some places. There are, however, several good texts, such as Kline's, Bollen's, and Shipley's that cover these topics (e.g., identifiability of non-recrusive models) in more detail. In summary, a great introductory text for the ecologist who wants to add one of the more powerful and intuitive statistical techniques out there to their belt.
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This book presents an introduction to the methodology of structural equation modeling, illustrates its use, and goes on to argue that it has revolutionary implications for the study of natural systems. A major theme of this book is that we have, up to this point, attempted to study systems primarily using methods (such as the univariate model) that were designed only for considering individual processes. Understanding systems requires the capacity to examine simultaneous influences and responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) has such capabilities. It also possesses many other traits that add strength to its utility as a means of making scientific progress. In light of the capabilities of SEM, it can be argued that much of ecological theory is currently locked in an immature state that impairs its relevance. It is further argued that the principles of SEM are capable of leading to the development and evaluation of multivariate theories of the sort vitally needed for the conservation of natural systems. Supplementary information can be found at the authors website, accessible via www.cambridge.org/9780521837422.- Details why multivariate analyses should be used to study ecological systems - Exposes unappreciated weakness in many current popular analyses - Emphasises the future methodological developments needed to advance our understanding of ecological systems
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