A miracle of measurement or accidental constructivism? How PLS subverts the realist search for truth
ISSN: 0309-0566
Article publication date: 28 March 2022
Issue publication date: 30 May 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine whether partial least squares path modeling (PLS) is fit for purpose for scholars holding scientific realist views.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present the philosophical foundations of scientific realism and constructivism and examine the extent to which PLS aligns with them.
Findings
PLS does not align with scientific realism but aligns well with constructivism.
Research limitations/implications
Research is needed to assess PLS’s fit with instrumentalism and pragmatism.
Practical implications
PLS has no utility as a realist scientific tool but may be of interest to constructivists.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to assess PLS’s alignments and mismatches with constructivist and scientific realist perspectives.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the two anonymous reviewers for their insights, and to Mikko Rönkkö and Cameron McIntosh for commenting on an early version of the manuscript.
Citation
Cadogan, J.W. and Lee, N. (2023), "A miracle of measurement or accidental constructivism? How PLS subverts the realist search for truth", European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 57 No. 6, pp. 1703-1724. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-08-2020-0637
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited