Week 8

Mediation

Materials for meeting on

March 20, 2023

Before Class

Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 1173-1182.
- What are the steps (i.e., equations, regression models) that comprise a mediation analysis?
- What are you looking to see in the output of these models to establish that mediation has occurred?
- How do you test for the overall significance of a mediational model?
- What is the difference between a mediation and a moderation (i.e., how do the interpretations of each differ)?
Zhao, X., Lynch, Jr., J. G., & Chen, Q. (2010). Reconsidering Baron and Kenny: Myths and truths about mediation analysis.. Journal of Consumer Research, 37, 197-206)
- Identify at least three recommendations/assertions of Baron and Kenny (1986) that Zhao et al (2010) argue against. State Baron & Kenny’s reasoning behind the original assertion but also the reasoning of Zhao et al when arguing the recommendation is wrong.
- What are the five types of mediation and nonmediation?
- What type of mediation can tell you whether the mediator is consistent with the causal model?

ignore moderation sections

Mediation in R