Categorical Predictor Variables using SMART-PLS
Categorical Predictors in SMART-PLS
Sometimes scholar(s) may need to include categorical predictor variables in their model. It is important to note that the categorical variables cannot be directly added to the model. Since the categories are represented by numbers and increase or decrease in the numbers do not depict an increase or decrease in the endogenous variable, the categories in the variable will have to be transformed. Here are the steps that one should follow when using categorical variables in SMART-PLS
- Create Dummy Variables for the categories in the variable. For example, let’s assume we have a variable Job Rank with three categories (Junior, Middle, Senior). Now we need to create two dummy variables (n-1). Although SPSS will give us three dummy variables, we will only add two in our model, the third one will serve as a reference category. The coefficients (effect) of the dummy variable are compared to the reference category. (Procedure to create dummy variables is explained in detail in the video at the end of the notes.)
- Once, the dummy variables are created, for example there were three categories, and we created three dummy variables. Out of those three we only need to add two onto our model. In this case we add Middle and Senior. We are interested in assessing the impact of job rank on Commitment. The model will look like
- Next, Run Bootstrapping procedure, make sure you select path from weighting scheme. Here are the results from bootstrapping
Interpretation
- The results show that Middle level employees do not have a significantly different impact on commitment than the reference category (Junior Level), However the Senior level employees have a higher level of commitment in comparison to Junior Level Employees (+ive Coefficient). If this would have been a negative sign with the coefficient, we would have interpreted it as, Senior level employees have lower commitment in comparison to the reference category (Junior Level Employees). This shows that job rank partially affect the employee commitment, since one of the job rank was found insignificant.
For Step by Step Guide on how to use Categorical Predictors in SMART-PLS, Watch this video
Other SmartPLS Tutorials
- How to Start Data Analysis using SMART-PLS
- Understanding Convergent and Discriminant Validity using SMART-PLS
- Reporting Measurement and Structural Model in SMART-PLS
- Understanding R Square, F Square, and Q Square using SMART-PLS
- Moderation Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting using SMART-PLS
- Moderation Analysis with Categorical Variables using SMART-PLS
- Mediation Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting using SMART-PLS
- Concept of Higher-Order Constructs in PLS-SEM
- Reflective Vs Formative Indicators: The Concept and Differences
- Validating Formative Indicators using SMART-PLS
- Reflective-Formative Higher-Order Construct using SMART-PLS
- Reflective-Reflective Higher-Order Construct using SMART-PLS
- How to Structure, Format, and Report SMART PLS-SEM Results
- How to Solve Convergent and Discriminant Validity Issues
- Complex Higher-Order Model using SmartPLS
- Analyzing Formative-Formative Higher-Order Construct in SmartPLS