STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING IN PRACTICE - TESTING A THEORY FOR RESEARCH USE

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is gaining attention in social work as an analytical method for studying social policy and testing theori es for practice. This paper demonstrates a special SEM application to test a theory for research use in the human services. Data from 294 de cision-makers in human service organizational units of federal, state, and local governments are used to show the appropriateness of using c omposites instead of multiple indicators in a SEM model with latent va riables. The step-by-step description of a two-stage modeling process is presented. Using a model generation analysis strategy, the results show that a nonrecursive model positing a reciprocal relationship betw een research use and diffusion could not be confirmed. Instead, a recu rsive model is uncovered with research use leading to research diffusi on. In addition, perceived quality of research, positive interaction b etween researchers and decision-makers, and transfer intensity of diss eminating research results through multiple media, produced direct and indirect effects on research use and diffusion. The limitations and s trengths of this study using the special SEM application are discussed .