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The Method of Path Coefficients

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Trajectory Analysis in Health Care

Abstract

The classical simple linear regression model involves one independent variable and one dependent (outcome) variable. Sewall Wright developed the method of path coefficients as a comprehensive approach to study the direct and indirect relationships between multiple independent variables and a dependent variable. The approach builds upon traditional regression analysis by building models that incorporate all hypothesized necessary and sufficient conditions and that better address temporal “cause-and-effect ” associations. The net result of the method of path coefficients is the realization that many variables, some seemingly insignificant, may contribute directly or indirectly to given health and behavioral outcomes.

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Abbreviations

ABM:

Agent-Based Model

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

HDL:

High density lipoprotein cholesterol

HLM:

Hierarchical Linear Model

IBM:

Individual Based Model

LDL:

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol

LISREL:

Linear structural relations, a software program

NAD:

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

NetLogo:

Simulation software program (freeware)

SEM:

Structural Equation Model

SUD:

Substance use disorder

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Administration, Pfeiffer University, Morrisville, North Carolina, USA

    David W. Hollar

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  1. David W. Hollar
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Hollar, D.W. (2018). The Method of Path Coefficients. In: Trajectory Analysis in Health Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59626-6_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59626-6_5

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