Schwarz’s Bayesian Information Criteria: A Model Selection Between Bayesian-SEM and Partial Least Squares-SEM

In this academic work a comparison between a Bayesian-Structural Equation Modelling (B-SEM) and a Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) on a relationship amongst self-directed learning readiness (SDLR), E-learning readiness, and learning motivation of undergraduate students throughout the outbreak of Covid-19 is studied. The B-SEM is built using prior distribution i.e., inverse-Gamma, inverse-Wishart, and normal distribution on specific parameters of the model with 19000 iterations on Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm. Whereas the PLS-SEM is established using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method, PLS algorithm with 300 iterations, and 5000 subsamples on bootstrapping. The objective of this study is to get the most compatible model which represent the relationship between three latent variables in this study. Schwarz’s Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) is used on model selection between these two models. Data were obtained from 214 undergraduate students with three majors of study at the Faculty of Information Technology, Sebelas April university in Indonesia. Both models produce the same output which depict that self-directed learning readiness significantly affects the learning motivation of the students, while there is not a significant effect of e-learning readiness on learning motivation. With the lower BIC value, which is a negative value, PLS-SEM is more fitted for portray the influence of self-directed learning readiness, and e-learning readiness to learning motivation of students than B-SEM model.