Path Analysis

Path analysis is a term used in higher-level statistics to describe what are referred to as directed dependencies among a set of variables. This includes creating models that are equivalent to any form of multiple regression analysis, factor analysis, canonical correlation analysis, discriminant analysis, as well as more general families of models. Don't let this term frighten you. In psychology, path analysis may be found in higher levels in the analysis of laboratory research but not in the day-to-day practice of psychology, or its offshoot of counseling and therapy.