Discriminant validity assessment has become a generally accepted prerequisite for analyzing relationships between latent variables. For variance-based structural equation modeling, such as partial least squares, the Fornell-Larcker criterion and the examination of cross-loadings are the dominant approaches for evaluating discriminant validity. By means of a simulation study, we show that these approaches do not reliably detect the lack of discriminant validity in common research situations. We therefore propose an alternative approach, based on the multitrait-multimethod matrix, to assess discriminant validity: the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations. We demonstrate its superior performance by means of a Monte Carlo simulation study, in which we compare the new approach to the Fornell-Larcker criterion and the assessment of (partial) cross-loadings. Finally, we provide guidelines on how to handle discriminant validity issues in variance-based structural equation modeling.

/pdf/a-new-criterion-for-assessing-discriminant-validity-in-4xs4c94ene.pdf

A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling

Purpose: This paper discusses partial least squares path modeling (PLS), a powerful structural equation modeling technique for research on international marketing. While a significant body of research provides guidance for the use of covariance-based structural equation modeling (CBSEM) in international marketing, there are no subject-specific guidelines for the use of PLS so far.Methodology/approach: A literature review of the use of PLS in international marketing reveals the increasing application of this methodology.Findings: This paper reveals the strengths and weaknesses of PLS in the context of research on international marketing, and provides guidance for multi-group analysis.Originality/value of paper: The paper assists researchers in making well-grounded decisions regarding the application of PLS in certain research situations and provides specific implications for an appropriate application of the methodology.

The Use of Partial Least Squares Path Modeling in International Marketing

In order to determine the status quo of PLS path modeling in international marketing research, we conducted an exhaustive literature review. An evaluation of double-blind reviewed journals through important academic publishing databases (e.g., ABI/Inform, Elsevier ScienceDirect, Emerald Insight, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, Swetswise) revealed that more than 30 academic articles in the domain of international marketing (in a broad sense) used PLS path modeling as means of statistical analysis. We assessed what the main motivation for the use of PLS was in respect of each article. Moreover, we checked for applications of PLS in combination with one or more additional methods, and whether the main reason for conducting any additional method(s) was mentioned.

/pdf/the-use-of-partial-least-squares-path-modeling-in-3soa8bk804.pdf

The use of partial least squares path modeling in international marketing

In the past few years, the IS field has seen a substantial increase in the number of submissions and publications using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. Part of the reason may be the increase in software packages to perform such covariance-based (e.g., LISREL, EQS, AMOS, SEPATH, RAMONA, MX, and CALIS) and componentbased (e.g., PLS-PC, PLS-Graph) analysis. Viewed as a coupling of two traditions -an econometric perspective focusing on prediction and a psychometric emphasis that models concepts as latent (unobserved) variables that are indirectly inferred from multiple observed measures (alternately termed as indicators or manifest variables) -SEM has allowed social scientists to perform path analytic modeling with latent variables (Lvs), which in turn has led some to describe this approach as an example of “a second generation of multivariate analysis” (Fornell 1987, p. 408).

https://misq.org/misq/downloads/download/editorial/314/

Issues and opinion on structural equation modeling

Mind, Self and Society from the Standpoint of a Social Behaviorist

A Primer for Soft Modeling

This study examines the relationship among giftedness, gender, and overexcitability. Previous studies examining these relationships were based on an open-ended questionnaire and small samples. This study uses a new self-rating questionnaire to assess overexcitabilities, the Overexcitability Questionnaire II, and findings are based on a large sample of 562 university students. Giftedness was measured by a student's participation in either a gifted, advanced, or standard curriculum program. Results show that previous findings on the relationship between giftedness and overexcitability can be confirmed; gifted students scored significantly higher on intellectual and emotional overexcitability than students in either of the other two programs. Further, males scored higher overall on intellectual, imaginational, and psychomotor overexcitability, while females scored higher on emotional and sensual overexcitability.

The relationship among giftedness, gender, and overexcitability.

Dabrowski's Theory of Emotional Development provides the framework for investigating the dynamic interplay of emotion and cognition in the personality development of a group of intellectually gifted adults and a group of graduate students. When the gifted adults were compared to the graduate students on developmental potential, as measured by their over-excitability scores, the gifted subjects showed substantially greater potential for emotional development; but when actual level of development was compared, no significant differences between the two groups were found. Gender differences were discovered in areas related to traditional gender-role socialization—women scored higher on emotional potential and level of emotional development while men were higher on intellectual potential. In support of Dabrowski's theoretical position, emotional, intellectual, and imaginational intensity significantly predicted level of development.

Emotional Development, Intellectual Ability, and Gender:

Traditional sex-based categories are giving way to more expanded notions of gender among young men and women today. Along with feminine and masculine personalities, some individuals combine both for a more androgynous persona, whereas others exhibit few distinctly feminine or masculine characteristics. In a study of 118 gifted college students, the Bem Sex-Role Inventory was used to assess gender identity; personality characteristics were measured with the Overexcitability Questionnaire–Two. Results indicate a stronger relationship between gender identity (masculinity or femininity) and overexcitability (OE) than between sex (female or male) and OE. Males and females were distributed in the gender categories as follows: men tended to be masculine or undifferentiated, whereas women were feminine or androgynous. Androgynous males and females had higher OE scores. Implications for Dabrowski's theory and gifted education are discussed.

/pdf/gender-identity-and-the-overexcitability-profiles-of-gifted-4twr3j0zq2.pdf

Gender Identity and the Overexcitability Profiles of Gifted College Students

The ability to reflect and consider who one is in relation to others is described as the reflexive self. From a sociological perspective, the reflexive self develops in the interaction with others through a process that includes a person's self‐efficacy, self‐image, self‐concept, and self‐esteem. Operating to control incompatible views, self‐deception and self‐discrepancy play an important role in maintaining a consistent and valid self‐conception. The experiences of gifted children and adolescents are used to illustrate how the responses of others affect a person's reflexive self.

https://positivedisintegration.com/Falk1998.pdf

R. Frank Falk

Papers

A Primer for Soft Modeling

The relationship among giftedness, gender, and overexcitability.

Emotional Development, Intellectual Ability, and Gender:

Gender Identity and the Overexcitability Profiles of Gifted College Students

The reflexive self: A sociological perspective