SEM Publication Philosophy
The philosophy of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is guided by three interconnected commitments: methodological rigor, interdisciplinary relevance, and ethical responsibility. We recognize that SEM is not a narrow technical method but a framework that shapes how scholars conceptualize, measure, and interpret complex phenomena across disciplines. SEM’s philosophy, therefore, rests on the belief that advancing SEM requires both technical innovation and substantive engagement. Methodological research should not remain isolated from the real-world questions it seeks to answer, just as applied studies should demonstrate awareness of the underlying assumptions and limitations of the models they employ.
Within Decision Sciences, our philosophy emphasizes the importance of methodological precision in modeling how individuals and organizations make choices under conditions of uncertainty. Research in this field demands careful specification of latent constructs and robust testing of model fit, as flawed assumptions can easily distort conclusions about decision-making behavior. In Economics and Finance, where policy recommendations and investment decisions may hinge on statistical findings, we expect manuscripts to demonstrate transparency, replicability, and empirical robustness. Work situated in Mathematics and Modeling and Simulation must show that theoretical or computational innovations are not only statistically sound but also provide meaningful improvements to the practice of SEM in applied contexts. For Social Sciences, including Sociology and Political Science, our philosophy stresses accessibility: complex methods must be presented in a manner that allows substantive researchers to integrate them into their theories and empirical analyses.
At the heart of this philosophy lies a commitment to ethical scholarship. SEM has become a global language of empirical inquiry, and its misuse can have consequences that extend well beyond academia, influencing policy decisions, social interventions, and economic forecasts. We therefore expect authors to adhere strictly to international standards of research integrity, ensuring that findings are reported honestly, models are specified transparently, and data are handled responsibly. By publishing in the SEM Journal, authors affirm their participation in a scholarly community that values clarity, accuracy, and integrity as much as originality and innovation.