Path Analysis for Exploring EBM Science Frameworks Andy and Irit

Path Analysis Linear models between observed and/or latent variables Include direct and indirect effects Exploratory path analysis and confirmatory factor analysis Software – Lisrel, Amos

Path Analysis Latent variables – unobserved constructs that are key features of the system Could be used to define services – conceptual issue is how are services defined or treated Observed variables can be affected by latent variables or vice versa

Path Analysis Because of the linear structure, probably most appropriate for exploring interactions and feedback loops, not necessarily modeling generation of services Confirmatory form less useful in our context?

Path Analysis- issues There are infinite number of diagrams, need to determine critical indirect effects for exploration Serious problem of statistically identifying parameters. Need to have a more complete data set and work on replication issue – beyond time series data