To identify potential mediating effects, researchers applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) typically contrast specific indirect and direct effects in a sequence of steps. Extending this standard procedure, we conceive mediation analysis as a type of model comparison, which facilitates quantifying the degree of the model effects’ uncertainty induced by the introduction of the mediator. By introducing a new dimension of quality assessment, the procedure offers a new means for deciding whether or not to introduce a mediator in a PLS path model, and improves the replicability of research results.

中文翻译：

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量化基于 PLS-SEM 的中介分析中的不确定性

为了确定潜在的中介效应，研究人员应用偏最小二乘结构方程模型 (PLS-SEM) 通常对比一系列步骤中的特定间接和直接效应。扩展此标准程序，我们将中介分析视为一种模型比较，这有助于量化由中介的引入引起的模型效应不确定性的程度。通过引入质量评估的新维度，该程序为决定是否在 PLS 路径模型中引入中介提供了一种新方法，并提高了研究结果的可复制性。