When introducing new constructs or variables into a model and examining their effects in accordance with specific established theory, especially in a context where the theory has not been tested before. Is this theory development or theory testing and confirmation? Given that I need to justify my use of PLS, which is generally recommended for models where the emphasis may be more on theory development.
Hi Ahmed! PLS-SEM is a method that generally used for prediction, while CB-SEM is the method better suited for theory confirmation. PLS-SEM is also used when the constructs are defined as composites, not as common factors as in the case of CB-SEM. It is a preferred method for theory development because of its more flexible in terms of data distribution and sample size, as well as because it allows to incorporate both reflective and formative constructs. Theory development studies work with theories that need to be validated in more contexts as well as further conceptual development, such as the incorporation of new variables. Depending on the level of the development of the theory, the purpose of the research in this case could be exploratory. In the example you give, as you introduce new variables it seems to be about theory development.
Hi Vasilica Maria Margalina can I ask a question?
Can I use CB-SEM in doing CFA to validate my adapted scales in another context, then, proceed to use PLS-SEM to test my hypothesis?
Thank you.
Hi Donn Enrique Moreno! Of course, you can do that, but you must justify it. CB-SEM also tests the relationships between constructs, the difference with PLS-SEM is in the objective. CB-SEM is used for theoretical confirmation, PLS-SEM when constructs are defined as composites and the objective is the prediction of the endogenous construct. The major difference between the two methods consists in the measurement model of the variables. This is why, if you apply then PLS-SEM you should check again the reliability and validity indexes of the measurement model of the constructs.
@Vasilica Maria Margalina
Sorry for intervening, but can I use AMOS to perform pls by choosing it instead of maximum likelihood approach
I mean instead of using smart pls program
Hello @Manar Hamouda! From what I know with AMOS you can only perform a CB-SEM analysis. If you want to perform a PLS-SEM analysis you have to use another software, such as SmartPLS, WrapPLS, Adanco or R.