Using AMOS graphics to enhance the understanding and communication of multiple regression

Support for the saying 'a picture is worth a 1000 words' has been consistently found within statistics education. Graphical images are effective in promoting understanding and communication of statistical concepts and results to a variety of audiences. The computer software package, AMOS, was developed for the analysis of structural equation models (SEM) and has a user-friendly graphical interface. However, courses in SEM are generally found only at the postgraduate level. This paper argues that the graphical interface of AMOS has the potential to enhance conceptual understanding and communication of results in undergraduate statistical courses. More specifically, approaches to the teaching and communication of results of multiple regression models when using SPSS and AMOS will be examined and compared.