An Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract Structural equation modeling is a multivariate data analysis method for analyzing complex relationships among constructs and indicators. To estimate structural equation models, researchers generally draw on two methods: covariance-based SEM (CB-SEM) and partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM). Whereas CB-SEM is primarily used to confirm theories, PLS represents a causal–predictive approach to SEM that emphasizes prediction in estimating models, whose structures are designed to provide causal explanations. PLS-SEM is also useful for confirming measurement models. This chapter offers a concise overview of PLS-SEM’s key characteristics and discusses the main differences compared to CB-SEM. The chapter also describes considerations when using PLS-SEM and highlights situations that favor its use compared to CB-SEM.

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