Analyze each data set without variable X2 in the model. What happens to the magnitude of the path from X3 to Y1?

Figure 13.22 Understanding common versus non-common causes, and their effects on path estimates.

Now conduct the same analyses with the data set in “common cause 3.sav.” Note the relation of X2 to X3 and Y1. Now take variable X2 out of the model. What happens to the path from X3 to Y1?

Consider what you findings mean concerning the nature of controlling for common versus non-common causes.