mediator variable

USAGE SUMMARY

'mediator variable' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a variable that is used to explain the relationship between two other variables. For example, "Academic success was positively correlated with self-confidence, but this relationship was mediated by workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When mediation occurs, the mediator variable significantly affects the dependent variable and the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable decreases (partial mediation) or disappears completely (full mediation).

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The precondition for mediation is that the candidate mediator variable is associated with both the predictor and the outcome variables [41].

Plosone

By estimating different pathways between the dependent, independent and mediator variable, this approach attempts to indirectly test mediation.

BMC Public Health

Mediation is a hypothesized causal chain in which an antecedent variable affects a mediator variable that, in turn, affects a dependent variable.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The findings showed that active learning is an appropriate mediator variable between teaching and mentoring process variables with creative teaching in northern and rural zones.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The study suggests a model in which competitive strategy acts as a mediator variable in the relationship between organizational structure and firm performance.

Cuadernos de Economía y Dirección de la Empresa

A theoretically derived structural equation model was tested to examine the direct paths from family risk variables to children's social emotional functioning and the indirect paths by way of the mediator variable, maternal sensitivity.

Early Childhood Research Quarterly

In this study, we employ the software quality principle of flexibility as a mediator variable to determine if certain design aspects play a key role in achieving the benefits to the project of process standardization.

Information and Software Technology

Furthermore, our results indicate that the user's affective experience with the usability of the shop might serve as a mediator variable within the aesthetics–usability relation: The frustration of poor usability lowers ratings on perceived aesthetics.

Computers in Human Behavior

The relationship between childhood abuse and the mediator variable of anger, was significant b = 0.032, t 571) = 2.78, p = .006; as with the mediator variable of anger, and the outcome variable of violence (b = 0.386, p < .01).01

Health & Justice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mediator variable", clearly define the independent and dependent variables to establish a clear relationship within your analysis.

Common error

Avoid confusing a "mediator variable", which explains how an effect occurs, with a moderator variable, which affects the strength or direction of the relationship between variables.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mediator variable" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific type of variable in statistical analysis. It refers to a variable that explains the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mediator variable" is a common and grammatically correct term used primarily in scientific and academic contexts. As Ludwig indicates, it refers to a variable that explains the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable. When writing, it's important to distinguish a "mediator variable" from a moderator variable. Consider alternatives like "intervening variable" or "mediating factor" to add variety to your writing. Using the term correctly enhances clarity in research and statistical analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intervening variable

Replaces "mediator" with "intervening", emphasizing the variable's role in coming between other variables.

mediating factor

Substitutes "variable" with "factor", focusing on the element that influences the relationship.

intermediate variable

Uses "intermediate" instead of "mediator", highlighting the variable's position in a sequence.

mechanism of effect

Focuses on the underlying process through which one variable affects another.

explanatory variable

Shifts the focus to the variable's ability to explain the observed relationship.

conduit variable

Emphasizes the role of the variable as a channel through which influence passes.

transmission mechanism

Highlights how the effect is transmitted from one variable to another.

indirect effect variable

Directly describes the variable as contributing to an indirect effect.

pathway variable

Presents the variable as part of a causal pathway.

linking variable

Focuses on the variable's role in connecting two other variables.

FAQs

How is a "mediator variable" used in research?

A "mediator variable" explains the process through which an independent variable affects a dependent variable. It helps clarify the nature of the relationship between the two variables.

What are some alternative terms for "mediator variable"?

Alternatives include "intervening variable", "mediating factor", and "intermediate variable", which all describe a variable's role in explaining a relationship.

How do I test for a "mediator variable" in statistical analysis?

Common methods include regression analysis, Baron and Kenny's approach, and Sobel's test to determine if the indirect effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable through the "mediator variable" is significant.

What is the difference between a "mediator variable" and a moderator variable?

A "mediator variable" explains how one variable affects another, while a moderator variable influences when or for whom that relationship holds. They serve distinct roles in statistical models.