APA Citation
MacKinnon, D. P., Fairchild, A. J., & Fritz, M. S. (2007). Mediation analysis. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 593–614.
Publication Topic
Contextual Methodology & Scientific Strategy
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
intervening variable, indirect effect, third variable, mediator
Abstract
Mediating variables are prominent in psychological theory and research. A mediating variable transmits the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable. Differences between mediating variables and confounders, moderators, and covariates are outlined. Statistical methods to assess mediation and modern comprehensive approaches are described. Future directions for mediation analysis are discussed.