American Journal of Educational Research, 2015, Vol. 3, No. 5, 619-623
Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/education/3/5/14
© Science and Education Publishing
DOI:10.12691/education-3-5-14
Improving Accuracy of Educational Research
Conclusions by Using Lisrel
Awaluddin Tjalla
*
Department of Guidance and Counseling, State University of Jakarta, Kampus UNJ, Jl. Rawamangun Muka, Rawamangun, Jakarta
*Corresponding author: awaluddin.tjalla@yahoo.com
Received February 14, 2015; Revised April 26, 2015; Accepted April 28, 2015
Abstract The purpose of this paper are (1) to propose applying a technique of data analysis of educational
variables using LISREL, (2) to construct variables including in the research model. The other benefit of this
technique compared to the conventional analysis model are: (1) faulty estimate on variables relation caused by
measurement error can be corrected and (2) statistical test on whether or not a theoritical model describing relation
structure between variables can be carried out. The other benefit is that fit between theoritical model and data can be
tested. The use of LISREL technique to analyze variable data for education is a must. Sharpness and accuracy in
predicting the variables which are considered to have influence on variables can be obtained. On the contrary,
measurement error which takes place from relation between research variables can be explained. Accordingly, this
analysis technique is considered “comprehensive” to improve accuracy of conclusion generalization in the field of
educational research which currently undergoes more complex problem.
Keywords: data analysis, educational variables, LISREL technique
Cite This Article: Awaluddin Tjalla, “Improving Accuracy of Educational Research Conclusions by Using
Lisrel.” American Journal of Educational Research, vol. 3, no. 5 (2015): 619-623. doi: 10.12691/education-3-5-14.
1. Introduction
Globalization which is characterized by advancement in
technology has resulted in problems on human life interaction,
including those in educational field. In the perspective of
research methodology, augmenting problems in educational
field either quantitatively or qualitatively require settlement
with correct technique of data analysis. This is aimed at
obtaining objective result of data analysis and can be
generalized accurately. Data analysis in educational field
is not as easy as that in the other fields, such as : industry,
engineering, agriculture, economics, etc., in which their
required statistical analysis can easily be fulfilled.
Interpretation made does not bear high risk compared to
the more complex data of educational variables. Therefore,
correct technique of statistical analysis is required.
Pophamand Sirotnik (1973) mentioned two main
objectives of statistical use in a bid to analyze variables
data in the educational field, they are [19]:
1. Statistical techniques to describe data (descriptive
satistics). This statistics is used to infer numerical
data, such as : test scores, age and educational year.
2. Statistics used by researchers to describe better
inference against a phenomenom observed at sample
and then generalized conclusion of population is
taken. This analysis technique points to relation
between variables. In such case, educational
researchers try to describe relation between such
variables as students’ IQ, achievement and attitude to
learning program at school.
With regard to the second objective of using statistics
(inferensial statistics),the commonly used technique of
statistical analysis in the educational field is regression
analysis by applying production function approach
(Draper and Smith, 1981) [3]. However, such model
constitutes underlying weaknesses in terms of : (1)
concept, (2) result measurement, and (3) some biased
sources which are the characteristics in the educational
field. Accordingly, by applying regression with Ordinary
Least Squares (OLS) approach, such disturbances need
serious attention and required assumption can be met. This
is because assumption break may cause inccorrect and
misleading conclusion generalization due to possible
misinterpretation (Suriasumantri, 2000) [22].
2. Analysis
Path analysis is commonly applied as well in analyzing
educational variables data irrespective of its weaknesses.
The following are the weaknesses (Mueller, 1996) [18]: (1)
When assumption of series of variables events (one
variable cannot precede the other and vice versa) is not
met, then path analysis cannot be applied; (2) It is always
assumed that error outside the system has no correlation
between one and another; (3) Difficulty in determining
unknown parameters of the available data; (4) Direction of
cause based relation cannot be determined by analysis
result but dependent upon the concept developed by
researchers. In case of any faulty concept, then conclusion
and interpretation will be faulty as well; and (5)
Principally, path analysis is the application of equation of