Jan-Michael Becker

Becker, Jan-Michael; Proksch, Dorian & Ringle, Christian M. (2022)

Revisiting Gaussian copulas to handle endogenous regressors

Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 50, s. 46- 66. Doi: 10.1007/s11747-021-00805-y

Marketing researchers are increasingly taking advantage of the instrumental variable (IV)-free Gaussian copula approach. They use this method to identify and correct endogeneity when estimating regression models with non-experimental data. The Gaussian copula approach’s original presentation and performance demonstration via a series of simulation studies focused primarily on regression models without intercept. However, marketing and other disciplines’ researchers mainly use regression models with intercept. This research expands our knowledge of the Gaussian copula approach to regression models with intercept and to multilevel models. The results of our simulation studies reveal a fundamental bias and concerns about statistical power at smaller sample sizes and when the approach’s primary assumptions are not fully met. This key finding opposes the method’s potential advantages and raises concerns about its appropriate use in prior studies. As a remedy, we derive boundary conditions and guidelines that contribute to the Gaussian copula approach’s proper use. Thereby, this research contributes to ensuring the validity of results and conclusions of empirical research applying the Gaussian copula approach.

Karagür, Zeynep; Becker, Jan-Michael, Klein, Kristina & Edeling, Alexander (2021)

How, Why, and When Disclosure Type Matters for Influencer Marketing

International Journal of Research in Marketing Doi: 10.1016/j.ijresmar.2021.09.006

Consumers’ changing media consumption behaviors and skepticism toward traditional forms of advertising have prompted the growth of influencer marketing. Even as regulatory authorities call on brands and influencers to disclose the posts as advertising, no consistent guidelines exist. The distinct effects of self-generated versus platform-initiated disclosures also remain unclear, nor has research addressed the interplay of key influencer characteristics and marketing disclosures. This article reports on findings from the first academic field study of influencer marketing disclosures, as well as three experimental studies, which indicate that disclosure is a double-edged sword. When provided through a platform-initiated branded content tool, disclosure consistently exerts the strongest effect on perceptions of advertising, negatively relating to influencer trustworthiness and consumer engagement. The effects of disclosure type also depend on the number of followers and number of previously endorsed products (i.e., influencer characteristics). Yet consumers also express appreciation for transparency when influencers disclose posts as advertising, which increases perceived trustworthiness of the influencer and engagement with the post. The implications of these findings should inform choices by public policy makers, brand managers, and influencers.

Rigdon, Edward E.; Sarstedt, Marko & Becker, Jan-Michael (2020)

Quantify Uncertainty in Behavioral Research

Nature Human Behaviour, 4(April), s. 329- 331. Doi: 10.1038/s41562-019-0806-0

The behavioral sciences underestimate the uncertainty of research fndings and thus overestimate replicability. Metrologists in the physical sciences quantify all material components of uncertainty, even if some components must be quantifed using non-statistical means. Behavioral science should follow suit.

Lins, Sebastian; Becker, Jan-Michael, Lyytinen, Kalle & Sunyaev, Ali (2022)

A Design Theory for Certification Presentations

Data Base for Advances in Information Systems

Prior information system research remains inconsistent of the effects of system certifications. In their current use, certifications are often reduced to graphical seals. This approach fails to incorporate detailed assurance information emanating from the certification process. To address this gap, we adopt a design science approach and deploy a four-phase research design to clarify how to design impactful IS certification presentations. First, we identify sources of users’ limited understanding of seals and formulate a design proposal for a certification presentation by drawing upon the elaboration likelihood model. In the second phase, we formulate and validate a set of design meta-requirements and guidelines to improve certification presentation, using cognitive load theory and Toulmin’s model of argumentation as kernel theories. In the third phase, new certification presentations that comply with the proposed guidelines are developed and evaluated for their effectiveness. We show that presentations that augment seal-based certification presentations with richer assurance information improve certification effectiveness. This increases users’ assurance and trust perceptions when the presentations align with the users’ cognitive information processing needs in ways that reduce their cognitive load and enhance argument quality of assurance information.

Becker, Jan-Michael; Cheah, Jun-Hwa, Gholamzade, Rasoul, Ringle, Christian M. & Sarstedt, Marko (2022)

PLS-SEM’s most wanted guidance

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management Doi: 10.1108/IJCHM-04-2022-0474

Purpose – Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has attracted much attention from both methodological and applied researchers in various disciplines – also in hospitality management research. As PLS-SEM is relatively new compared to other multivariate analysis techniques, there are still numerous open questions and uncertainties in its application. This study aims to address this important issue by offering guidance regarding its use in contexts with which researchers struggle. Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine the most prominent questions and answers posed in a well-known PLS-SEM discussion forum. The authors do so by using a text analysis technique to identify the most salient topics. Findings – The data analysis identifies three salient PLS-SEM topics (i.e. bootstrapping and significance testing, higher-order constructs and moderation). Research limitations/implications – The results allow us to address the PLS-SEM community’s main methodological issues. The authors discuss each area separately and provide explanations and guidelines. Practical implications – The guidelines on the most important PLS-SEM topics provide decision-making and application aids. In this way, the authors make a decisive contribution to clarifying ambiguities when applying the PLS-SEM method in hospitality management research and other disciplines. Originality/value – There has as yet been no systematic analysis of this kind in the field of PLS-SEM; the authors, therefore, present the first research results. The findings and recommendations provide guidance for PLS-SEM applications in hospitality research and practice.

Söllner, Matthias; Becker, Jan-Michael, Mishra, Abhay N & Leimeister, Jan Marco (2022)

Use IT Again? Dynamic Roles of Habit, Intention and their Interaction on Continued System Use by Individuals in Utilitarian, Volitional Contexts

European Journal of Information Systems Doi: 10.1080/0960085X.2022.2115949

Rigdon, Edward E.; Becker, Jan-Michael & Sarstedt, Marko (2019)

Parceling Cannot Reduce Factor Indeterminacy in Factor Analysis: A Research Note

Psychometrika, 84(3), s. 772- 780. Doi: 10.1007/s11336-019-09677-2

Parceling—using composites of observed variables as indicators for a common factor—strengthens loadings, but reduces the number of indicators. Factor indeterminacy is reduced when there are many observed variables per factor, and when loadings and factor correlations are strong. It is proven that parceling cannot reduce factor indeterminacy. In special cases where the ratio of loading to residual variance is the same for all items included in each parcel, factor indeterminacy is unaffected by parceling. Otherwise, parceling worsens factor indeterminacy. While factor indeterminacy does not affect the parameter estimates, standard errors, or fit indices associated with a factor model, it does create uncertainty, which endangers valid inference.

Rigdon, Edward E.; Becker, Jan-Michael & Sarstedt, Marko (2019)

Factor Indeterminacy as Metrological Uncertainty: Implications for Advancing Psychological Measurement

Multivariate Behavioral Research, 54(3), s. 429- 443. Doi: 10.1080/00273171.2018.1535420

Researchers have long been aware of the mathematics of factor indeterminacy. Yet, while occasionally discussed, the phenomenon is mostly ignored. In metrology, the measurement discipline of the physical sciences, uncertainty – distinct from both random error (but encompassing it) and systematic error – is a crucial characteristic of any measurement. This research argues that factor indeterminacy is uncertainty. Factor indeterminacy fundamentally threatens the validity of psychometric measurement, because it blurs the linkage between a common factor and the conceptual variable that the factor represents. Acknowledging and quantifying factor indeterminacy is important for progress in reducing this component of uncertainty in measurement, and thus improving psychological measurement over time. Based on our elaborations, we offer a range of recommendations toward achieving this goal.