Shawn,

> To conduct a path analysis using SPSS I was under the impression that one can just > conduct several (depending on the number of endogenous variables) multiple > regressions. > In this case, the partial regression coefficients (standardized beta) are > used as the path coefficients. Is this correct, or do I need to conduct partial > correlations or use structural equation modeling techniques?

For me, path analysis has to be conducted when one has a latent construct -mesured by several variables- to analyze (mesurement by CFA, and then path analysis). Several multiple regressions should give similar results if - the exogeneous variables are uncorrelated (tested by a factor analysis) - you have good reasons to suppose that there is no direct relationship between your several endogeneous variables, if there is one, it's due to some exo. variables which have a significant impact on several endo. variables. (tested by partial correlations)

I use multiple regressions, partial correlation and canonical analysis to explore path analysis (ie generate hypothesis) Construct + projection/extrapolation ---> Latent Variable Partial Least Squares Construct + only path analysis ---> Variance/covariance technics No construct + interactions between endo. variables ---> Simultenous regressions No construct + no interaction between exo. var. ---> Multiple regressions

Regards