Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): Simply a Rotated Concept Map

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the connections between the uses of concept mapping and structural equation modeling (SEM). Concept maps can also be used to help authors organize and structure reviewed literature in a manner that may help them find their voice when adding to the existing conversation on a particular topic. A discussion of the process recently utilized for a doctoral dissertation is presented to provide an example of this organizational process by presenting a summary of the literature review with a concept map of the review and the supporting documents attached to the appropriate concepts as re-sources. Dissertation examples are then used to further demonstrate how the connections between concept mapping the review of literature and using a concept map to visualize the analyses can help students demystify research methodology, especially, the use of SEM.