I have to admit that at the beginning of this course, I was nervous and felt unsure about my ability to master the concepts in structural equation modeling. Even though I have successfully completed the course, I still do not feel as though I fully understand what structural equation modeling is in terms of understanding the meaning of each individual number. Specifically, similar to my statistics course reflection, although I can run and interpret the results of a structural equation model, I do not truly understand how each number is derived and what each number really means. I believe that this is because SEM was a summer course. New concepts were taught each class and little time was given to the students to fully digest the material. However, this class did confirm my view that statistics is largely theoretical. How a structural equation model is run, what paths should be freed up, which latent variables should be correlated is all determined by theory. This is why I thoroughly enjoy statistics. Statistics is not all about calculations, but interpretations and analyses driven by the larger theoretical framework.

The statistical methods that I have learned in this class equip me with more powerful tools to use to explore my areas of interest. Specifically, as a result of my ability to run structural equation models, I can test a model of stereotype internalization/consciousness in relation to motivation/self-regulation and achievement that I have developed (see model in sociocultural reflection).

Artifacts