How is Mediated Moderation Different from Simple Mediation and Moderation?
- Mediation involves an intermediary variable (mediator) that explains the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. For example, the effect of a public health intervention (independent variable) on reducing smoking rates (dependent variable) might be mediated by increased awareness (mediator).
- Moderation involves a moderator that affects the strength or direction of the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. For example, the efficacy of a vaccine (independent variable) in preventing disease (dependent variable) might be moderated by age (moderator).
- Mediated Moderation combines these two concepts. It suggests that the moderator's effect on the dependent variable is mediated by another variable. For instance, the relationship between socioeconomic status (moderator) and health outcomes (dependent variable) could be mediated by access to healthcare services (mediator).
