moderator variable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moderator variable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in research and statistics to refer to a variable that influences the strength or direction of the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable. Example: "In this study, we found that age acted as a moderator variable, affecting the relationship between stress and performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Environmental climate variable as a moderator variable moderates the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable in addition to the direct impact on entrepreneurial behavior.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Moderation was indicated by a significant interaction between the group and the moderator variable after accounting for the group and the moderator effects.

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research

Rather than relying on inference, it seems more logical to measure the mechanism being used to explain the moderated relationship at the level of theory and using that as the moderator variable.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

The moderator variable is the openness of the firm's internal labor market.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Particularly, an important moderator variable between education and entrepreneurship stated is the culture.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

We have repeated the analyses using interdependent self-construal as the moderator variable.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Neighborhood walkability, estimated using the commercially available Walk Score®, was our moderator variable.

Preventive Medicine

Such association was also found in the combined meta-regression model which suggests the principal role of this moderator variable.

Annals of Intensive Care

The theory also points to systematically testing age as an interactive (moderator) variable in pediatric and psychiatric neuroimaging research.

Developmental Review

By keeping original scores on the moderator variable, the analysis avoids loss of information resulting from converting a continuous variable to a dichotomous one.

Fashion and Textiles

I also ran a robustness test with a recoded moderator variable indicating whether firm representatives regard CVT as a "rather important" or "very important" means of reducing turnover.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moderator variable", clearly define the independent and dependent variables within the context of your analysis. This ensures clarity in understanding the relationships being examined.

Common error

Avoid using "moderator variable" when you actually mean a mediating variable. A moderator affects the strength or direction of a relationship, whereas a mediator explains the mechanism through which one variable influences another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moderator variable" functions as a noun phrase, typically used within statistical and research contexts. According to Ludwig, it's a well-established term referring to a variable that affects the relationship between other variables. Its use is prominent in academic and scientific discourse.

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 "moderator variable" is a grammatically sound and widely used term, particularly within scientific and academic research. According to Ludwig, it correctly identifies a variable that influences the strength or direction of a relationship between an independent and dependent variable. To ensure precision, it's vital to differentiate "moderator variable" from similar concepts like mediating or confounding variables. For effective writing, clearly define the variables in your study to avoid confusion and to promote an accurate use of this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderating factor

This term replaces "variable" with "factor", suggesting a broader influence on the relationship.

interaction variable

This phrase emphasizes the interaction effect of the variable on the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

conditioning variable

This term highlights how the variable conditions or influences the relationship.

contingency factor

This phrase suggests that the relationship depends on the presence or level of this factor.

effect modifier

This term is often used in medical or epidemiological contexts to describe a variable that modifies the effect of a treatment or exposure.

influencing variable

This is a more general term that emphasizes the variable's influence on the relationship.

mediating variable

While similar, a mediating variable explains the relationship instead of changing its strength or direction.

confounding variable

A confounding variable distorts the relationship but is not the focus of the analysis, unlike a moderator.

antecedent variable

This refers to a variable that precedes the independent variable, not necessarily affecting their relationship directly.

extraneous variable

Extraneous variables are outside the intended scope of the study, differing from the targeted influence of a moderator.

FAQs

How is a "moderator variable" used in research?

A "moderator variable" is used to determine if the relationship between two variables changes based on different levels of a third variable. It helps researchers understand when or for whom a relationship is stronger or weaker.

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

A "moderator variable" affects the direction or strength of a relationship between an independent and dependent variable. In contrast, a mediating variable explains how or why one variable influences another. Examples of mediating variables are "intervening variable" or "intermediate variable".

Can a variable be both a moderator and a mediator?

Yes, a variable can act as both a moderator and a mediator, but it depends on the theoretical framework and the specific relationships being examined. The roles depend on the research question and how variables are conceptualized in the study. It may also be an "explanatory variable".

What are some examples of "moderator variable" in different fields of study?

In psychology, stress level might moderate the relationship between study habits and exam performance. In business, market competition could moderate the effect of advertising spending on sales. In healthcare, age might moderate the effectiveness of a new drug.