... researchers who wish to use structural equation modeling, particularly PLS, for their statistical analysis, of some important scientific principles. PLS PLS-SEM Latent variables Emergent variables Composite model Mode A Structural equation modeling Constructivism Pragmatism Instrumentalism...

... realism Unobservable conceptual variables Antirealism Instrumentalism Pragmatism and constructivism Composites Emergent variables Generative atomism The original paper, Cadogan and Lee’s (2022) “A Miracle of Measurement or Accidental Constructivism: How PLS Subverts the Realist Search...

... and constructivism and examine the extent to which PLS aligns with them. Findings PLS does not align with scientific realism but aligns well with constructivism. Research limitations/implications Research is needed to assess PLS’s fit with instrumentalism and pragmatism. Practical implications PLS has...