Scale Means/ Likert

[Mathilda]

Good morning everyone,

I am working on a research project in smartpls 3. I have 3 independent variables consisting each of around 6 items and one dependent variable. Since, unfortunately I am just starting to learn smartpls, I have a few basic questions:

1) Am I allowed to use the independent variables and the dependent variable that are measured on a Likert Scale 1-7? I guess so, I read there is a lot of discussion going on about it, however I understood that it is OK since the independent variables consists each of enough items.

2) Is it allowed that my dependent variable is made of 4 scale means? The means I calculated each from 4 items.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Best,

Mathilda

[jmbecker]

1) Generally, PLS assumes metric data. However, it is most commonly used on Likert type data as 1) researchers assume Likert data to be almost metric, and 2) the combination of several items into one composite / latent variable score results in a variable that is even closer to metric data.

2) Why do you want to take the means of the items and not use the items as indicators of the dependent variable constructs?