Mediating effect refers when a third variable intervenes between the related constructs and explains why a relationship between them exists (Hair et al., 2009). There are several types of tests that can test the mediating effects. McKinnon, Lockwood, Hoffman, West, & Sheets’ (2002) summary of the tests of significance of intervening variable effects is shown in Table 1.
In addition to the methods displayed in the summary table, recently other methods such as Bootstrapping (e.g., Bollen & Stine, 1990) and the Monte Carlo Method (e.g., MacKinnon, Lockwood, & Williams, 2004) have become popular. Bootstrapping is a non-parametric method based on resampling with replacement that is performed many times (e.g., 1000 times). From each sample, the indirect effects are computed and their distribution is generated. The Monte Carlo Method is a computer simulation test of the indirect effect that is proposed by MacKinnon et al. (2004).
Baron and Kenny (1986) provided a seminal work in their assertion of specific steps for testing cross-section mediation models. They provided four conditions or steps for testing in their causal steps approach, which linearly lays out specific relationships amongst the independent, dependent, and mediator variable in four separate regression models. These four steps are noted below:
1) Demonstrate that the independent variable (X) is significantly related to the dependent variable (Y). This is denoted as the c path.
2) Demonstrate that the independent
al.,2007). Using previously researched scholar articles and books, the authors were able to base their search, follow certain guidelines and compare their results with other results. Using tests such as the Kruskall-Wallis non-parametric test, Nagel et. al.(2007) were able to examine the differences in performance based on each grade group.
Cozby, Paul. C., Bates, Scott. C. (2012). Methods in Behavioral Research (11th ed). New York, NY:McHraw-Hill
The studies are varied and numerous. To provide examples of these surveys I would like
The practice of settling human conflicts through intermediaries has had a rich history in Western and non-Western cultures and therefore a broad range of forms and functions. The conflicting parties in most of the societies and at all stages of social interaction have had access to external actors to whom they approach when they come to the conclusion that they are incapable to handle their different opinions by themselves. In this case, an ordinary response to identify contradictions in objectives and values be-tween adversaries is to enter into a process of negotiation in order to achieve an agreement on such differences, which is mutually acceptable. In consequence, negoti-ation seems to be a universal, human
One criticism of this research is that it is correlational. Therefore, we cannot infer a causal
the old indirect methods” (Greenberg 2014, pg. 286). This system is still used today to create a
Methodological Issues Article Review. Read the following articles, which can be accessed through the ProQuest database in the Ashford University Library:
Brace, N. (2014) ‘Measuring and manipulating variables’ in McAvoy, J. and Brace, N. (eds) Investigating methods, Milton Keynes, The Open University.
1. What is the intervention being evaluated? What is the hypothesis for the intervention, and what theories or empirical research is used to support that initial hypothesis?
| Based on explicit knowledge and this can be easy and fast to capture and analyse.Results can be generalised to larger populationsCan be repeated – therefore good test re-test reliability and validityStatistical analyses and interpretation are
When it comes to using morphine to relieve pain in a dying patient, one might be faced with a conflict. Although morphine helps to manage pain and prevent suffering, morphine is also a strong drug that could cause premature death. What makes someone more prone to a hastened death is the addictive component of morphine, which leads to frequent use and suppression of respirations. However, the Doctrine of Double Effect helps to determine if the act is permissible.
Bootstrapped mediation analyses (Preacher & Hayes, 2008) were performed to examine how self-worth would mediate the association between prosocial behavior and overall happiness. A total of 5000 bootstrap resamples were used. The analyses revealed that self-worth partially mediated the association between prosocial behavior and overall happiness, ab = 0.04, SE = 0.01, 95% CI [0.03, 0.06]. Although the total effect of prosocial behavior was significant, c = 0.15, SE = 0.03, t(1098) = 5.17, p < 0.001, its direct effect was mediated by self-worth, c’ = 0.11, SE = 0.03, t(1098) = 3.87, p = 0.001. See Figure 1 for a depiction of the mediation model.
The doctrine (or principle) of double effect is often invoked to explain the permissibility of an action that causes a serious harm, such as the death of a human being, as a side effect of promoting some good end (McIntyre, 2004) . According to the principle of double effect (DDE), there are times where it is permissible to cause harm – as a side effect of bringing about a good result, even though it would not be acceptable to cause such harm as a means to providing the same good end. I will now refer to two philosophers whom justify and discuss the premise behind the doctrine of double effect.
Main analyses involved running each of three models through AMOS SEM software separately, using path analysis techniques to assess direct and indirect effects, among the present observed variables (Arbuckle, 2013). Path analysis, which is based on multiple regressions, examines the relationship between exogenous (i.e., variable not causes by another variable, but effects one or more variables in model) and endogenous variables (i.e., a variable that is caused or effected by one or more variables in a model; Iacobucci, 2010). Path models examine the total effects, as well as the direct and indirect of effects of variables in a single model, simultaneously (Peterson et al., 2014). Structural equation modeling path analysis techniques are superior to standard regression analyses in that they: 1) provide more accurate estimates of the effects of hypothesized variables; 2) estimate all effects simultaneously; 3) allow for greater accuracy of parameter estimates when examining competing models; and 4) allow the researcher to compare effects of multiple mediators (Zhao, Lynch, & Chen, 2010).
The objective of this chapter is to describe the procedures used in the analysis of the data and present the main findings. It also presents the different tests performed to help choose the appropriate model for the study. The chapter concludes by providing thorough statistical interpretation of the findings.