Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest Management
Forest ecosystem dynamics are driven by a complex array of simultaneous cause-and-effect relationships. Understanding this complex web requires specialized analytical techniques such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The SEM framework and implementation steps are outlined in this study, and w...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2012-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Forestry Research |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/263953 |
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| _version_ | 1832566187241766912 |
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| author | Tzeng Yih Lam Douglas A. Maguire |
| author_facet | Tzeng Yih Lam Douglas A. Maguire |
| author_sort | Tzeng Yih Lam |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Forest ecosystem dynamics are driven by a complex array of simultaneous cause-and-effect relationships. Understanding this complex web requires specialized analytical techniques such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The SEM framework and implementation steps are outlined in this study, and we then demonstrate the technique by application to overstory-understory relationships in mature Douglas-fir forests in the northwestern USA. A SEM model was formulated with (1) a path model representing the effects of successively higher layers of vegetation on late-seral herbs through processes such as light attenuation and (2) a measurement model accounting for measurement errors. The fitted SEM model suggested a direct negative effect of light attenuation on late-seral herbs cover but a direct positive effect of northern aspect. Moreover, many processes have indirect effects mediated through midstory vegetation. SEM is recommended as a forest management tool for designing silvicultural treatments and systems for attaining complex arrays of management objectives. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2d7601b2a8f14cb881ea8f1f2dbcbdc7 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1687-9368 1687-9376 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2012-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Forestry Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-2d7601b2a8f14cb881ea8f1f2dbcbdc72025-02-03T01:04:49ZengWileyInternational Journal of Forestry Research1687-93681687-93762012-01-01201210.1155/2012/263953263953Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest ManagementTzeng Yih Lam0Douglas A. Maguire1Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, 204 Peavy Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USADepartment of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, 204 Peavy Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USAForest ecosystem dynamics are driven by a complex array of simultaneous cause-and-effect relationships. Understanding this complex web requires specialized analytical techniques such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The SEM framework and implementation steps are outlined in this study, and we then demonstrate the technique by application to overstory-understory relationships in mature Douglas-fir forests in the northwestern USA. A SEM model was formulated with (1) a path model representing the effects of successively higher layers of vegetation on late-seral herbs through processes such as light attenuation and (2) a measurement model accounting for measurement errors. The fitted SEM model suggested a direct negative effect of light attenuation on late-seral herbs cover but a direct positive effect of northern aspect. Moreover, many processes have indirect effects mediated through midstory vegetation. SEM is recommended as a forest management tool for designing silvicultural treatments and systems for attaining complex arrays of management objectives.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/263953 |
| spellingShingle | Tzeng Yih Lam Douglas A. Maguire Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest Management International Journal of Forestry Research |
| title | Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest Management |
| title_full | Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest Management |
| title_fullStr | Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest Management |
| title_full_unstemmed | Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest Management |
| title_short | Structural Equation Modeling: Theory and Applications in Forest Management |
| title_sort | structural equation modeling theory and applications in forest management |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/263953 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT tzengyihlam structuralequationmodelingtheoryandapplicationsinforestmanagement AT douglasamaguire structuralequationmodelingtheoryandapplicationsinforestmanagement |