Analytic Choice Between And Within Multiple Regression And Structural Equation Modeling Approaches

Abstract

This research demonstrated whether the analytic choice of using a multiple regression or structural equation modeling methodology affected the results of faculty research productivity in Saudi Arabia. This study not only showed the differences between multiple regression and structural equation modeling results but also the disparity of results within each type of analysis. The results indicated that using either a multiple regression or structural equation modeling methodology delivered different results in terms of significant predictors and the model’s overall explained variance. Further, differential outcomes produced by the various structural equation modeling models employed illustrate how the incorrect specification of formative (i.e., causal) indicators can result in worse data-fitting models. Implications for selecting analytic procedures are discussed.