Mediation

mediation is the relationship

between two variables occurs because of a third variable

direct effect

The association between the predictor and the outcome not explained by the mediator

indirect effect

The association between the predictor and the outcome occurring through the mediator

what needs to be significant in mediation

a path, b path and axb path (indirect), not c’ path (direct path)

a x b path is

indirect

c’ path is

direct path

path estimate table shows

specific path estimates. with last one being c’

on mediation estimates you dont need to look at

total

when APA reporting a mediation you need to

report a path and results, b path and results, indirect effect and results, c’ (direct) path. Report path C’ (direct effect) and whether the mediation is partial or full

when is there a full mediation

when c’path direct is not significant. the direct effect is not significant any more, suggesting the link is entirely due to the mediator

when is there a partial mediation

when the c’path is significant. The direct effect remains significant, suggesting that other things might explain why/how

mediation is what kind of questions

why or how

what does mediation measure

measuring if the relationship between 2 variables can be fully explained by a third variable