Moderators change the relationship between the X (predictor) and Y (outcome) variables while a mediators is causally related to changes in the X (predictor) and also causes changes in Y (outcome). To determine which, ask yourself: Does this intervening variable change the strength of the relationship between the X and Y variables or does X change the intervening variable and then the intervening variable changes the Y variable? It'd be moderation if you answered yes to the first part of the question and mediation if you answered yes to the second part. Moderation is also called an interaction and is similar to running a factorial ANOVA while mediation is different and tests to see if the correlation between the X and intervening variable as well as the intervening and the Y variable are both strong. Moderators are typically nominal/categorical in level of measure while mediators are typically interval or ratio. Finally, consider when things happen in time (temporal presidence): Moderators can be variables that happen before the X (predictor) while mediators have to happen in time after the X (predictor) and before the Y (outcome). For example, age moderates the relationship between number of hours studying and GPA while level of anxiety mediates the relationship between hours studied and GPA (i.e., hours studied changes anxiety levels and anxiety levels change GPA).
What is a the difference between and moderating and a mediating variable?
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