Regression Analysis with Latent Variables by Partial Least Squares and Four Other Composite Scores: Consistency, Bias and Correction

Abstract

Compared to the conventional covariance-based SEM (CB-SEM), partial-least-squares SEM (PLS-SEM) has an advantage in computation, which obtains parameter estimates by repeated least squares regression with a single dependent variable each time. Such an advantage becomes increasingly important with big data. However, the estimates of regression coefficients by PLS-SEM are biased in general. This article analytically compares the size of the bias in the regression coefficient estimators of the following methods: PLS-SEM; regression analysis using the Bartlett-factor-scores; regression analysis using the separate and joint regression-factor-scores, respectively; and regression analysis using the unweighted composite scores. A correction to parameter estimates following mode A of PLS-SEM is also proposed. Monte Carlo results indicate that regression analysis using other composite scores can be as good as PLS-SEM with respect to bias and efficiency/accuracy. Results also indicate that corrected estimates following PLS-SEM can be as good as the normal-distribution-based maximum likelihood estimates under CB-SEM.