After standardizing the predictors, which statement about the PLS first direction is correct?

• A. The first direction loadings are equal to the slope coefficients from regressing the response onto each original predictor.
• B. The first direction loadings are equal to the covariances between the response and each standardized predictor.
• C. The first direction loadings depend on the squared values of the predictors.
• D. The first direction loadings are unrelated to the regression coefficients of Y on Xj.

Answer: (A)