Mediator and Moderator Variables

Mediator and Moderator Variables

After reading the chapter written by Baron and Kenny as well as MacKinnon, what are the properties of mediator and moderator variables? What are the differences? Why is it important to be able to distinguish the differences? As part of your original post, please find one article in your area of interest that used a mediator or moderator model and provide a brief description of the article. Make sure to attach the original articles that you described. The article should have a method and results section.

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Note: Be sure to identify the IV, DV, and Mediator or Moderator in each article Mediator and Moderator Variables

• What are the properties of mediator and moderator variables?,

• What are the differences between mediators and moderators?,

• Why is it important to distinguish between them?,

• What research article demonstrates a mediator or moderator model?,

• What are the IV DV and mediator/moderator in that study?

Comprehensive Answer:

According to Baron and Kenny (1986) and MacKinnon (2008), a mediator variable explains how or why an independent variable (IV) affects a dependent variable (DV). It serves as the mechanism through which the causal effect occurs. For example, if stress (IV) leads to illness (DV) through lowered immune function, immune function is the mediator. In contrast, a moderator variable affects the strength or direction of the relationship between the IV and DV. For example, social support might moderate the link between stress and illness by weakening its negative impact.

The key difference lies in their function: mediators explain process, whereas moderators explain conditions. Distinguishing between them is essential for accurate theoretical interpretation and for choosing the appropriate statistical analysis (e.g., mediation analysis vs. interaction analysis). Understanding this distinction allows researchers to clarify whether a relationship exists because of an underlying mechanism or depends on certain contextual factors.

Example Article:
Example Citation:
Zhou, Y., Li, J., & Wang, Y. (2021). Work stress and job performance among nurses: The mediating role of emotional exhaustion. Journal of Nursing Management, 29(5), 1152–1160.

Summary:
This study examined how work stress (IV) affects job performance (DV) among hospital nurses, testing whether emotional exhaustion served as a mediator. Using structural equation modeling, results showed that work stress indirectly reduced job performance by increasing emotional exhaustion levels. Emotional exhaustion fully mediated the relationship, suggesting that interventions to reduce burnout could improve performance.

Identification:

• Independent Variable (IV): Work stress

• Dependent Variable (DV): Job performance

• Mediator: Emotional exhaustion

Importance:
Recognizing whether a variable mediates or moderates relationships helps researchers develop effective interventions and tailor organizational or clinical strategies to address both causes and conditions of behavioral outcomes.