Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata, Revised Edition, by Alan Acock, successfully introduces both the statistical principles involved in structural equation modeling (SEM) and the use of Stata to fit these models. The book uses an application-based approach to teaching SEM. Acock demonstrates how to fit a wide variety of models that fall within the SEM framework and provides datasets that enable the reader to follow along with each example. As each type of model is discussed, concepts such as identification, handling of missing data, model evaluation, and interpretation are covered in detail.

In Stata, structural equation models can be fit using the command language or the graphical user interface (GUI) for SEM, known as the SEM Builder. The book demonstrates both of these approaches. Throughout the text, the examples use the sem command. Each chapter also includes brief discussions on drawing the appropriate path diagram and performing estimation from within the SEM Builder. A more in-depth coverage of the SEM Builder is given in one of the book’s appendixes.

Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata, Revised Edition is an excellent resource both for those who are new to SEM and for those who are familiar with SEM but new to fitting these models in Stata. It is useful as a text for courses covering SEM as well as for researchers performing SEM.