Pathology of Application of Modeling Structural Equations in Iranian Tourism Researches

In recent years, the use of structural equation modeling is widespread in tourism studies. However, when using this method, there are challenges that need to be identified and resolved. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the challenging and problematic areas of using SEM in tourism research in Iran. This study has been done Based on a systematic review through secondary data analysis. The statistical population of this research is the Persian-language articles published in the internal scientific-research tourism journals (approved by the Ministry of Science) from the beginning of the publication of the quarterly papers by the end of 1396. Sampling method was a purposeful process and after that, the sample size was determined 116 papers. Data analysis was performed based on two approaches by using SPSS25 software. First Approach: Descriptive Analysis of Articles and Second Approach: Analysis of the Challenges of Using the SEM Method. Results show that Lack of checking the required sample size, Failure to test the normal distribution of data, Lack of attention and a complete report of the effect analysis and effect size of R2 and As well as selective and arbitrary reporting of fit indices are among the most important challenges and mistakes of Iranian researchers in using SEM in tourism research. Scientific advice is provided to overcome these challenges.