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Journals / Politeknik Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 29 Sayı: 4

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use in Data Analysis: A Comparison of ChatGPT and SmartPLS Outputs in PLS-SEM Analysis

Veri Analizinde Yapay Zeka Kullanımı: PLS-SEM Analizinde ChatGPT ve SmartPLS Çıktılarının Karşılaştırılması

Yavuz Toraman(Akdeniz Üniversitesi)0000-0002-5196-1499
Orçun Muhammet Şimşek(İstanbul Nişantaşı Üniversitesi)0000-0001-8028-3394
Pages
1–12
Publication Date
2026-04-21
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The results show a high level of consistency between ChatGPT and SmartPLS outputs throughout all stages of the analysis.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study aims to evaluate the usability and reliability of ChatGPT, a large language model, to conduct Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis.
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Key Findings & Data:For this purpose, a research model based on the Technology Acceptance Model was tested with 523 participants using both SmartPLS and ChatGPT.
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Conclusion & Impact:The results show a high level of consistency between ChatGPT and SmartPLS outputs throughout all stages of the analysis.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:SmartPLS · yapay zeka · istatistiksel analiz

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the usability and reliability of ChatGPT, a large language model, to conduct Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. For this purpose, a research model based on the Technology Acceptance Model was tested with 523 participants using both SmartPLS and ChatGPT. Key statistical indicators such as internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, VIF values, path coefficients, and R-square values were compared. The results show a high level of consistency between ChatGPT and SmartPLS outputs throughout all stages of the analysis. Furthermore, the statistical validity of SmartPLS and ChatGPT outputs is supported by examining their Pearson Correlation (r), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values. Both tools identified the same significant and nonsignificant relationships, and similar mediation effects were found. Although ChatGPT lacks visualization capabilities and requires step-by-step guidance, it successfully reproduced statistically valid results. These results suggest that ChatGPT may be a complementary and cost-effective tool for researchers, especially those without access to licensed software. Future research should explore its usability with other statistical techniques and artificial intelligence models.

Özet

Bu çalışma, Kısmi En Küçük Kareler Yapısal Eşitlik Modellemesi (PLS-SEM) analizi yapmak için geniş bir dil modeli olan ChatGPT'nin kullanılabilirliğini ve güvenilirliğini değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu amaçla, Teknoloji Kabul Modeline dayalı bir araştıma modeli, hem SmartPLS hem de ChatGPT kullanılarak 523 katılımcıyla test edilmiştir. İç tutarlılık, güvenilirlik ve geçerlilik, VIF değerleri, yol katsayıları ve R-kare değerleri gibi temel istatistiksel göstergeler karşılaştırılmıştır. Sonuçlar, analizin tüm aşamalarında ChatGPT ve SmartPLS çıktıları arasında yüksek düzeyde tutarlılık olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Ayrıca SmartPLS ve ChatGPT çıktılarının Pearson Correlation (r), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) ve Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) değerleri inclenerek istatistiksel olarakda desteklenmiştir. Her iki araç da aynı anlamlı ve anlamsız ilişkileri tespit etmiş ve benzer aracılık etkileri bulunmuştur. ChatGPT görselleştirme yeteneklerinden yoksun olmasına ve adım adım rehberlik gerektirmesine rağmen, istatistiksel olarak geçerli sonuçları başarılı bir şekilde yeniden üretmiştir. Bu sonuçlar ChatGPT'nin özellikle lisanslı yazılımlara erişimi olmayan araştırmacılar için tamamlayıcı ve uygun maliyetli bir araç olabileceğini göstermektedir. Gelecekteki araştırmalar bu aracın diğer istatistiksel teknikler ve yapay zeka modelleri ile kullanılabilirliğini araştırmalıdır.

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Cite This Article

Toraman, Y., Şimşek, O. M. (2026). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use in Data Analysis: A Comparison of ChatGPT and SmartPLS Outputs in PLS-SEM Analysis. Politeknik Dergisi, Cilt: 29 Sayı: 4, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.2339/politeknik.1739414

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