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International Journal of Research &

Method in Education
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A primer on partial least squares

structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)
a
Adrian Leguina
a
Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research (CMIST), The
University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
Published online: 21 Jan 2015.

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To cite this article: Adrian Leguina (2015) A primer on partial least squares structural equation
modeling (PLS-SEM), International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 38:2, 220-221, DOI:
10.1080/1743727X.2015.1005806

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 220 Book reviews

authors propose are not adopted wholesale, the book will encourage critical reflection at
a level rarely seen in this area.

Karen Laing
School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
[email protected]
# 2015, Karen Laing
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2015.1005803

A primer on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), by

Downloaded by [McGill University Library] at 23:45 01 February 2015

Joseph F. Hair Jr., G. Tomas, M. Hult, Christian M. Ringle, and Marko Sarstedt,
London, Sage, 2014, 307 pp., £24.99 (paperback), ISBN 9781452217444

Although structural equation modelling (SEM) is a popular statistical technique for

multivariate data analysis in social and behavioural sciences, its use in education has
massified more recently. SEM groups a set of techniques for data analysis which
aims to simultaneously examine relationships between observable and latent variables,
as well as between latent variables. This is of great relevance to areas of knowledge
interested in the study of phenomena that cannot be directly observed, such as abilities,
perceptions, attitudes, and intentions, aspects which are easily resonated with edu-
cational research. To accomplish this, SEM combines factor analysis and linear
regression. Within the SEM framework, however, there are two alternatives to
perform the analysis: covariance-based SEM (CB-SEM) and partial least-squares
SEM (PLS-SEM). On the one hand, CB-SEM is the widely popular technique fre-
quently applied using software such as AMOS, LISREL, and MPLUS. On the other
hand, PLS-SEM (also known as variance-based SEM) is the focus of this volume.
As the title suggests, the book is a friendly introduction and didactic presentation of
PLS-SEM oriented to the application through the intensive usage of one of the
most popular software in the subject, SmartPLS. Through eight chapters, concepts,
modelling process, and selected advanced topics are presented. For this review, it is
considered appropriate to divide them into three groups.
The first chapter, a group itself, introduces the basics of SEM, multivariate data
analysis, and PLS-SEM. The latter, with clear focus on differentiating between CB
and PLS-SEM, but also highlighting their complementarity, emphasizes PLS as a
powerful analytical tool when sample sizes are small and data do not meet distributional
assumptions, models are complex, and motivation for modelling is rather exploratory.
Additionally, a series of eight sequential steps in the PLS-SEM modelling is proposed.
They are developed through the remaining chapters and illustrated through one case
study based on market research data. The second group of chapters (from two to six)
presents these steps: from the model specification, data collection, and model esti-
mation, to assessment of results, their interpretation, and conclusion drawing. All
this is done dividing the focus on the measurement model (with reflective or formative
indicators) and structural model. The third group, final two chapters, extends modelling
to mediator analysis and hierarchical models (chapter seven) and categorical variables
and moderators (chapter eight). It is worth noting that at the end of each chapter, key
questions are proposed and key terms are defined in the form of a glossary. This can
 Book reviews 221

be very useful for lecturers interested in using the book for courses which include latent
variable modelling in their syllabus.
In short, this book is a valuable reference to acquire basic grasps on PLS-SEM,
especially for readers who do not have background in advanced statistics. However,
some more experienced readers may consider the fact that the book does not include
the theoretical background behind the model as a limitation. Although the authors
are clear that this was not intended and they cite references necessary to deepen knowl-
edge in PLS-SEM, it could be interesting to include both the mathematical formulation
and the algorithm for parameter estimation (perhaps as an appendix so as not to hamper
the well-crafted chapter structure).
Despite this, the volume will undoubtedly become a basic reference for students,
teachers, researchers, and practitioners interested in learning and teaching the
fundamental concepts of PLS-SEM. And hopefully, this will reach audience from
Downloaded by [McGill University Library] at 23:45 01 February 2015

educational research.

Adrian Leguina
Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research (CMIST), The University of Manchester,
Manchester, UK
[email protected]
# 2015, Adrian Leguina
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2015.1005806