week 10

Question 1

Basics of moderation and mediation

Answer 1

Models can be used with various types of data and with numerous predictor and outcome variables

Question 2

Moderation

Answer 2

Can help for whom, or under what conditions, a relationship between variables occurs
Where the nature between the variables is dependent on the level of the moderating variable
Attempts to identify casual conditions for when a relationship occurs

Question 3

Mediation

Answer 3

Explains the sequential order of variables
Can help explain how/why there is a relationship between variables
Attempts to identify casual pathways

Question 4

Moderation & Mediation

Answer 4

The decision as to whether you are operationalizing your variable as a moderator or a mediator should be theory-led.

In other words, theoretically if you think:
Your variable will function as part of a causal pathway - mediation.
Or does your variable reflect a characteristic/ condition highlighting when a relationship will occur - moderation.

Decision based on:
Theoretical grounds.
The aim of the study.
The other variables in the study.

Question 5

Baron and Kenny 1986 Method

Answer 5

Transform predictors using grand mean centring;
Create a product (interaction) of the predictor and the moderator;
Put the (centred) predictor, the (centred) moderator and the interaction into the multiple regression analysis all as predictors;
If the interaction is significant, moderation is present.