Structural Equation Modelling using Mplus

This one-day course comprises of a mixture of short lectures on the basic theory behind Structural Equation Models, teaching via examples worked through by the trainer on real data sets which participants can follow, and exercises to practice the skills just learned.

The course is aimed at:

• Those seeking a beginners’ course in Path Analysis techniques such as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA);
• Those with some previous experience of Structural Equation Modelling who wish to learn to use the powerful and elegant Mplus software, which can be employed in an incredibly wide range of model fitting scenarios.

The course will cover:

• Introduction to Path Analysis – what it is and why we need it;
• Assessing the fit of a Structural Equation Model;
• Comparing competing Structural Equation Models;
• Preparing and importing data into Mplus from SPSS;
• Getting started with analysis in Mplus – the basics of the software;
• Fitting a simple Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Mplus;
• Fitting a simple Structural Equation Model in Mplus;
• Testing for indirect effects in Structural Equation Models;
• Fitting Structural Equation Models with missing data;
• Including Categorical variables in Structural Equation Models;
• Multiple group analysis.

No previous knowledge or experience with SEM or the Mplus software is assumed, but a basic knowledge of Exploratory Factor Analysis and the ideas behind multiple regression analysis will be advantageous to participants.

Outcomes:

Participants in the course will gain:

• Introductory knowledge of the theory and practice of Path Analysis;
• Introductory knowledge of the theory and practice of Confirmatory Factor Analysis;
• An understanding of how to engage with MPlus software.

Contributors:

Dr Ciara Kelly is a Lecturer in Work Psychology at the University of Sheffield and Deputy Director of the SBE (Sustainable Growth, Business, Work and Economic Productivity) Pathway for the WRDTP.

Dr Chris Stride has been using Mplus in his work as a statistician and data manager for the last two decades. He has particular experience and expertise in teaching non-statisticians from the fields of psychology, HR, management and the social sciences. Chris is a Chartered Statistician, and has run over 200 public training courses around the world, at national and international conferences, and on an inhouse basis for Universities and the public sector.

Important:

• This is an in-person event at The Wave, University of Sheffield (lunch and refreshments will be provided).
• You should bring your own laptop to this event.
• Spaces at this event are limited. We therefore ask that you only book a place if you are sure that you will be able to attend.
• Bookings will close at 9.00am on Monday 12th January.
• When booking, we ask that you use your institutional (.ac.uk) email address and complete all fields of the booking form. Thank you for your understanding.

Please note: The WRDTP is committed to sustainability and to reducing the waste from excess catering at events. A key challenge here is non-attendance at events. From October 1st 2025, the WRDTP will be changing the way we manage the non-attendance of PGR students who have booked place/s at WRDTP Training events. Any PGR student who does not inform the WRDTP (via training@wrdtp.ac.uk) that they will not be able to attend a WRDTP event at least 3 working days before the event takes place will have the cost of their place deducted from their RTSG (if a WRDTP-funded student), or have this charged to their department (if not funded by the WRDTP). This will allow us to better plan for events and to avoid catering waste. Thank you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.