Many researchers in their papers are focusing on the relationship between two variables only—an independent variable X and an outcome (dependent) variable Y. However, with two variables, it is possible to have a limited number of causal relationships between them (two variables). But, with three variables, the number of possible correlations between the variables increases. Mediating and moderating variables are instances of third variables. The question is; what is the main difference between them?
Hi there, conceptual framework represents logical and rational arrangement of selected factors and selected relationships among those factors. In a positivistic research design, this mainly revels causal relationships among variables (independent, dependent variables, moderating, mediating variables).
A moderating variable has an impact on the direct relationship among independent and dependent variable. This affects the direction and/or strength of the relationship between independent and dependent variable.
A mediating variable really acts as a mediator in two variables, then when the mediating variable is absent, the independent variable (IV) has no effect on the dependent variable (DV). In simple terms, the relationship between IV and DV exists only when the mediating variable is present.
Article MacKinnon DP, Krull JL, Lockwood CM. Equivalence of the medi...
Article Understanding and Using Mediators and Moderators
http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1132-05592013000100007
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