Given that path analyses and structural equation models are fundamentally correlational designs, do they mislead readers by suggesting a particular series of events occurs, usually from left to right, to explain the relationships between exogenous predictors, endogenous predictors, and criterion? Should these models instead be visualized in such a way that readers are less likely to interpret the model as "A leads to B, which leads to C, which leads to D?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer of Given that path analyses and structural equation models are fundamentally correlational designs, do they mislead readers by suggesting a particular series of events occurs, usually from left to right, to explain the relationships between exogenous predictors, endogenous predictors, and criterion? Should these models instead be visualized in such a way that readers are less likely to interpret the model as "A leads to B, which leads to C, which leads to D?"

Given That Path Analyses and Structural Equation Models Are Fundamentally