A New Inferential Test for Path Models Based on Directed Acyclic Graphs

Abstract

This article introduces a new inferential test for acyclic structural equation models (SEM) without latent variables or correlated errors. The test is based on the independence relations predicted by the directed acyclic graph of the SEMs, as given by the concept of d-separation. A wide range of distributional assumptions and structural functions can be accommodated. No iterative fitting procedures are used, precluding problems involving convergence. Exact probability estimates can be obtained, thus permitting the testing of models with small data sets.