forum.smartpls.com

Hello everybody.

I want to calculate a model using SMART PLS 3 which has 4 independent variables one mediator and one dependent variable. My question is now if I can only calculate the mediation effect if I include a direct path between the four independent variables and the dependent variable or is it also possible to draw a conclusion if there is only a direct path between the independent variables and the mediator and the mediator and the dependent variable? As SmartPLS calculates also indirect effects I am not sure if this value can say whether this is a mediator or not.

Thanks you in advance for your help

BR Eva

If you want to test a typical mediation hypothesis it is common practice to also include the direct effect so that you know whether it is a direct or indirect effect that dominates and explains the "causal" pathway.