Variance Accounted for (VAF)

[rjb285]

There is no clear indicator that Variance Accounted for (VAF) values of mediated variables (indirect effects) is provided in the SmartPLS output, including bootstrapping.

1. Can VAF values for mediated variables (indirect effects) be found either in the regular, SmartPLS output or by way of bootstrapping? Or, does VAF have to be calculated by hand?

2. If VAF needs to be calculated by hand, how can it be calculated for exogenous variables (indirect effects) which are mediated by multiple mediating variables?

Thank you.

[jmbecker]

We do not provide VAF values as they are not the standard in the newer updated recommendations for mediation analysis (as recommended by Hayes or Zhao et al.). In addition, the VAF has some shortcommings when the mediation is competetive instead of complementary or when multiple mediators are considered. Therefore, SmartPLS does not provide the VAF and you have to calculate it by hand if you need it.

[rjb285]

Given this, what do you recommend to report on for mediating variables/effects (e.g., mediation type, etc.)?

Thanks

[jmbecker]

The significance of the indirect effect via the mediator.