Multi-group analyses with WarpPLS: The pooled standard error and Satterthwaite methods (and more)

The WarpPLS menu options “Explore multi-group analyses” and “Explore measurement invariance” allow you to conduct analyses where the data is segmented in various groups, all possible combinations of pairs of groups are generated, and each pair of groups is compared. In multi-group analyses normally path coefficients are compared, whereas in measurement invariance assessment the foci of comparison are loadings and/or weights. The grouping variables can be unstandardized indicators, standardized indicators, and labels. These types of analyzes can also be conducted via the menu option “Explore full latent growth”, which presents several advantages (as discussed in the WarpPLS User Manual).

Related YouTube videos:

Explore Multi-Group Analyses in WarpPLS
https://youtu.be/m2VKQGET-K8

Explore Measurement Invariance in WarpPLS
https://youtu.be/29VqsAjhzqQ

I have also been asked how the standard errors reported by WarpPLS can be used in manual multi-group analyses (i.e., not automated) using the pooled standard error and Satterthwaite methods. These issues, as well as other related issues, are now addressed in one single publication:

Kock, N. (2014). Advanced mediating effects tests, multi-group analyses, and measurement model assessments in PLS-based SEM. International Journal of e-Collaboration, 10(3), 1-13.

http://www.scriptwarp.com/warppls/pubs/Kock_2014_UseSEsESsLoadsWeightsSEM.pdf

This publication includes all of the equations used, and also addresses other tests, such as a test of mediating effects using the Sobel method. It is also a good reference for the automated approach employed in WarpPLS.

While using the WarpPLS menu options “Explore multi-group analyses” and “Explore measurement invariance” is recommended (and much less time-consuming), revised Excel spreadsheets are available from www.warppls.com to partially automate the calculations for mediating effects tests and multi-group analyses, respectively:

http://www.scriptwarp.com/warppls/rscs/Kock_2013_MediationSobel.xls

http://www.scriptwarp.com/warppls/rscs/Kock_2013_MultiGroup.xls