Dear SmartPLS experts,
I have got a question regarding the calculation algorithm for total effects, which SmartPLS automatically calculates, when a moderator variable is included in the model.
In my model I have got the following variables and relationships:
A -> C, B -> C, C -> D, E -> B and E moderates the relationship C -> D.
For the moderating relationship I use the automatic function of SmartPLS.
With all these relationships I have got positive and significant path coefficients (also E*C -> D), but the total effect E -> D is small and non significant, which in my mind might be due to the modelling of moderating effects in SmartPLS.
The relationship E -> D, which is modelled in SmartPLS in order to generate the interaction term E*C but not relevant in the conceptual model, is negative. I think this could reduce the strenght and significance of the total effect.
Thus my question is, whether the auxiliary path E -> D is included in the automatic calculation of total effects of SmartPLS?
And if yes, how can I manually re-calculate the total effect E -> D?
Thank you very much in advance!
Kind regards,
Alexander