Is it possible to conduct a mediation analysis if the relationship between independent variable and denpendent variable is significant negative and the relationship between mediator and independent is significant positive? I am using penal data in eviews-9. Need help regarding this question
Hi, Allah Ditta Malana, correlation between variables either positive or negative does not affect the mediation analysis. When you make sure that the correlations between the variables are all significant, you can start the mediation analysis. I recommend that you use Baron & Kenny’s four-step approach for the mediation analysis.
Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality Social Psychology, 51(6), 1173. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.51.6.1173
@Malan @Wang has rightly pointed out that polarity (positive/negative) of the relationship between X and Y doesn't hinder from mediation analysis. There might be negative/positive relationships between X-->M and M-->Y or vice versa and thus may lead to negative/positive indirect effect which would enhance/reduce the negative direct effect of X on Y. The most important thing to be keep in mind is that the mediation effect should make sense from theoretical perspective. Wishing you best with your research.
No problem. You can examine mediation with positive or negative relationships.
- Badges
- Science topic