The course comprises of a mixture of short lectures on the basic theory behind Structural Equation Models, teaching via examples worked through by the trainer on real data sets which participants can follow, and exercises to practice the skills just learned. You will also receive a 80-page coursebook containing all the notes and worked examples, providing an easy reference for the basics of performing SEM in MPLus, and as a reminder for the techniques you have learned.

Course schedule: The course will start at 9.45am, with a lunch break from 1pm-2pm, and short coffee breaks at 11.30am and 3.30pm. It will finish at around 5.15 to 5.30pm, though I will be willing to stay on for a while after this to answer questions pertinent to participants' own data sets or any other Structural Equation Modelling queries you may have.

The teacher:
Dr Chris Stride has been using SPSS in his work as a statistician and data manager for the last 12 years. He has particular experience and expertise in teaching non-statisticians from the fields of psychology, HR, management and the social sciences. He is a Chartered Statistician and a member of the ASSESS (UK SPSS Users Group) Committee; and has run training courses at the University of Sheffield, for the UK SPSS users group, at national and international conferences, and on an inhouse basis for Universities and the public sector over the past three years.

The venue, facilities and directions:
The course will be held in room G39a, on the 5th floor of the Hicks Building, University of Sheffield. This room offers a light and airy teaching environment, with excellent networked computer facilities (and a fine view over Sheffield!).

The Hicks Building is on the corner of Hounsfield Road and Western Bank, in the main University area to the west of the City Centre, around 10-15 minutes tram or bus ride from the City Station. Visit the University of Sheffield website for maps and transport links; you will also be sent detailed directions when you book on the course.

Lunch is provided next door at the University Arms, the University of Sheffield's very own public house, which serves a variety of good quality home-cooked food. Lunch and tea/coffee/biscuits in the breaks is included in the cost of the course.

Sheffield Information:
For information on accommodation in the city, see the Sheffield Tourism accommodation guide. A comprehensive guide to the city itself can be found on the IWP website.