Formative reflective identification

[rajachilies]

Dear All,
I am using smart-PLS for the first time. I would like to clarify few doubts in this forum

1) My survey instruments are adopted scale which has first order and second order constructs with observed/manifest variables as reflective. how to identify whether my first order to second order construct relationship is reflective or formative?

[jmbecker]

This should usually be based on theory. If you have an adopted scale, the original literature on that scale might also provide some guidance.
In addition, a confirmatory tetrad analysis could help you to decide empirically, which type of measurement might be better suited.

[Hengkov]

Confirmatory tetrad analysis with TETRAD V software would probably help you find the relationship. But, keep in mind that based on the data collected. So, perhaps based on the theory that better.