SIGNALAI·Jul 2, 2026, 4:00 AMSignal50Medium term

From Structural Equation Modelling to Double Machine Learning: Robustness Analysis for Survey-Based Research

Source: arXiv cs.LG

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From Structural Equation Modelling to Double Machine Learning: Robustness Analysis for Survey-Based Research

arXiv:2607.00512v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Structural equation modelling (SEM) is widely used in survey-based business and information systems research to assess latent constructs and theory-driven structural relationships. However, SEM path significance is obtained within a particular model specification and may not show whether findings remain stable under alternative estimation frameworks. This study develops and demonstrates a staged robustness analysis framework that connects SEM, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and Double Machine Learning (DML). SEM is first used to refine

Why this matters
Why now

The increasing complexity and opacity of AI models necessitate more robust and transparent methods for causal inference and validation in research, especially as AI applications expand into critical domains.

Why it’s important

This development offers a more rigorous framework for validating research findings in fields like business and information systems, enhancing the reliability of conclusions drawn from survey data and complex models.

What changes

Traditional SEM findings can now be cross-validated and strengthened using DML, providing a more stable and trustworthy basis for theory development and practical application.

Winners
  • · Academics and researchers
  • · Data scientists
  • · Business and information systems fields
Losers
  • · Researchers relying solely on traditional SEM
  • · Poorly validated research
Second-order effects
Direct

Research methodologies in social sciences and business will adopt more robust, multi-method validation approaches.

Second

Increased confidence in research findings will accelerate the adoption of AI-driven insights in critical decision-making processes.

Third

The enhanced credibility of AI-driven research could lead to more ethical and reliable AI systems, reducing bias and improving trust in automated decision-making.

Editorial confidence: 85 / 100 · Structural impact: 35 / 100
Original report

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Read at arXiv cs.LG
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