Treat Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS involves specific steps for specification, estimation, and evaluation of your models. Below is a detailed guide on how to effectively conduct both CFA and SEM in AMOS.

Part I. Step-by-Step Guide for CFA and SEM in AMOS

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

• Ensure your dataset is clean and properly formatted in SPSS.
• Check for missing values and outliers, as these can affect your analysis.

Step 2: Open AMOS

1. Launch AMOS from your SPSS menu or desktop.
2. Create a new project by clicking the blank diagram icon.

Section 1: Conducting Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)

Step 3: Specify Your CFA Model

1. Draw Latent Variables: Use the oval tool to create latent variables (factors) representing your constructs.
2. Draw Observed Variables: Use the rectangle tool for observed variables (indicators) linked to each factor.
3. Indicate Relationships:
   • Use one-headed arrows from latent variables to observed variables to indicate loadings.
   • Fix one loading per factor to 1 for identification purposes.

Step 4: Input the Data

1. Click on File > Data Files to import your SPSS data file.
2. Ensure that all variables are correctly specified in your model.

Step 5: Run the CFA Model

1. Click the Analyze button (calculator icon) to estimate the model.
2. Review the output that includes fit indices and factor loadings.

Section 2: Conducting Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Step 6: Specify Your SEM Model

1. In the same or a new project, draw the structural model by adding paths between latent variables and observed variables.
2. Include relationships between latent variables as necessary (one-headed arrows).
3. If required, specify correlations between latent variables using two-headed arrows.

Step 7: Define Model Parameters

• Right-click on paths to set freely estimated parameters and fix paths if necessary for identification.

Step 8: Input the Data

• Make sure the data source is still properly set as described in Step 4.

Step 9: Run the SEM Model

1. Click the Analyze button to run the SEM analysis.
2. Review the output that includes fit statistics for the overall model and parameter estimates.

Step 10: Evaluate and Interpret Outputs

• Model Fit Statistics:
  • Look for Chi-square, RMSEA, CFI, and TLI to assess how well your model fits the data. Aim for:
    • Chi-square: non-significant (p > 0.05)
    • RMSEA: < 0.08 (ideally < 0.05)
    • CFI and TLI: > 0.90
• Parameter Estimates:
  • Examine the factor loadings for significance (typically > 0.5) and interpret the path coefficients for relationships.

Step 11: Model Refinement

• If necessary, use modification indices to suggest adjustments based on theoretical justification.
• Retest the model after refining connections to improve fit.

Step 12: Report Findings

• Document your results, including model fit statistics, factor loadings, and any modifications made.
• Provide visual diagrams of both the CFA and SEM models for clarity.

Part I. Tutoring for CFA and SEM in AMOS