Sometimes researchers are confused about data analysis techniques. Which technique is better, 1st generation technique by SPSS or Minitab, CB-SEM technique by AMOS or , PLS-SEM technique using SmartPLS or WrapPLS? The solution is actually simple. It would be based on your data set, model and the result you want to report.
First-generation (1G) techniques, such as correlations,regressions, or difference of means tests (such as ANOVA or -tests), offer limited modeling capabilities, particularly in terms of causal modeling. In contrast, second-generation techniques (such as covariance-based SEM or PLS) offerextensive, scalable, and flexible causal-modeling capabilities. Second-generation (2G) techniques do not invalidatethe need for 1G techniques however. The key point of 2G techniques is that they are superior for the complex causal
modeling that dominates recent communication and behavioral research. -- Lowry and Gaskin (2014).
From the paper of Lowry and Gaskin (2014), "Partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for Building and Testing Behavioral Causal Theory: When to Choose It and How to Use It"." the suggestions are attached with this message.
Dr. James Gaskin is very good researcher in statistics and data analysis. From youtube, you can check his tutorials on SPSS, AMOS and PLS.
Thanks
