Guide
SIMPLIS 2009 Mueller & Hancock
S IMPLIS S OFTWARE G UIDE
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SIMPLIS Software Guide EDMS 722, Spring 2009
SIMPLIS Guide
This introductory guide to the SIMPLIS command language of LISREL is not intended to replace the detailed information available in the following publications and online resources from Scientific Software, Inc.: LISREL 8: Users Reference Guide LISREL 8: Structural Equation Modeling with the SIMPLIS Command Language Interactive LISREL: Users Guide For trial or free student version download information, click here. The information presented is generic and intended only as a general orientation to the program applicable to the present chapters. More specific aspects of SIMPLIS syntax and output files are presented in the context of examples and exercises discussed in the various chapters.
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SIMPLIS Features & Syntax Structure
Most interface and many statistical features of LISREL are not utilized in chapter examples and exercises and, thus, are not introduced in this section. Instead, we concentrate on basic LISREL programming with the SIMPLIS command language and encourage you to explore LISREL/SIMPLIS to its fullest as you gain structural equation modeling knowledge and experience. The LISREL program contains two command languages, classic LISREL and SIMPLIS: the former is matrix-based and not introduced here; the latter, SIMPLIS (SIMPle LISrel), is easier to master since it consists of non-matrix based, sentence-like syntax statements.
SIMPLIS Software Guide
EDMS 722, Spring 2009
SIMPLIS Features & Syntax Structure
SIMPLIS syntax files can be created directly from within the LISREL program or prepared by using any standard word-processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word) and then copied into an empty syntax file in the programs interface. Before running the program, the syntax file must be saved as a SIMPLIS (.spl) file. SIMPLIS syntax files are divided into sections that are indicated by a header line (i.e., keyword), followed by model-specific information.
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Major SIMPLIS Input Headers
[Title] A descriptive program title can be specified on the first line of an syntax file. OBSERVED VARIABLES [or LABELS] A list of observed (measured) variable names follows which determines both the number of variables and their order in the data input. RAW DATA FROM FILE filename Here, a file can be specified that contains raw data on the observed variables.
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SIMPLIS Software Guide EDMS 722, Spring 2009
Major SIMPLIS Input Headers
COVARIANCE MATRIX [or CORRELATION MATRIX] Instead of raw data, summary statistics can be used as input, either in the form of a covariance or correlation matrix. STANDARD DEVIATIONS [and/or MEANS] If a correlation matrix is used as input data and a covariance matrix is to be analyzed, standard deviations must be given. When models with mean structures are analyzed, the observed means must be specified as well. SAMPLE SIZE = n [or SAMPLE SIZE IS n] The sample size, n, is specified here. (continued on next slide)
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Major SIMPLIS Input Headers
LATENT VARIABLES [or UNOBSERVED VARIABLES] Here, descriptive labels can be given to the latent factors in the model, if any. RELATIONSHIPS [or EQUATIONS] This section contains the structural equations that define the model. In addition, covariances of independent variables are specified to be free (to be estimated by LISREL) or fixed (to a specific value). PATH DIAGRAM If desired, SIMPLIS will draw a path diagram with the option of displaying various main results (e.g., un/standardized estimates, test statistics, modification indices) with the diagram. END OF PROBLEM This header signifies the end of the SIMPLIS program.
SIMPLIS Software Guide EDMS 722, Spring 2009
Example of a SIMPLIS Syntax File:
Major Headers (Keywords)
Multiple Linear Regression Example OBSERVED READSC1 VARIABLES: MATHSC1 GOALS2 COVARIANCE MATRIX: 1.623 -.308 1.951 .198 .290 1.627 SAMPLE SIZE: 1000 RELATIONSHIPS: GOALS2 = READSC1 MATHSC1 METHOD: Maximum Likelihood PATH DIAGRAM END OF PROBLEM
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The LISREL Command Interface:
Running a Syntax File
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The LISREL Command Interface:
Selected Portions of an Output
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SIMPLIS Quick Reference Guide
Header
[title]
Options or Alternatives
Comment
Optional section but in multigroup analyses, the title is required and must start with the word Group. Specifies a title consisting of one or more lines. Required section. List the names of all observed variables in free format and in the same order as the input data. Optional section. Specifies the location of the raw data file.
OBSERVED VARIABLES RAW DATA FROM FILE filename COVARIANCE MATRIX
[or] LABELS
[or] CORRELATION Required section if raw data is MATRIX not used. Specifies a lowerdiagonal covariance or correlation matrix in free format.
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SIMPLIS Quick Reference Guide
Header
STANDARD DEVIATIONS [and/or] MEANS
Options or Alternatives
Comment
Optional sections. If a correlation matrix is used as input and a covariance matrix is analyzed, standard deviations must be specified here. When models with mean structures are analyzed, observed means must be provided as well. Required section unless raw data is used. The sample size, n, is specified here. Optional section. If the model contains latent factors, descriptive labels can be given here.
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SAMPLE SIZE = n LATENT VARIABLES
[or] SAMPLE SIZE IS n [or] UNOBSERVED VARIABLES
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SIMPLIS Quick Reference Guide
Header
RELATIONSHIPS [or] EQUATIONS
Options or Alternatives
Comment
[form:] dependent Required section. Here, the variable = list of structural equationsone for independent variables each endogenous observed or latent variableare specified. V1 = 1*F1 Example of specifying a observed variable, V1, as the V2 = F1 reference variable for a latent V3 = F1 factor, F1, that has three observed indicator variables. LET THE ERRORS Example of correlated error BETWEEN V1 AND terms be...