Moderator and Mediator Variables

This video describes the difference between moderator and mediator variables. Confound variables are also discussed.

[amandachaffin]

I am glad that Dr. Grande distinguished between moderator and mediator variables. The moderator variable represents strength and direction between the IV and DV. The mediator variable represents the relationship between the IV and DV.

[amandavalentino]

Dr. Grande- When listening to Moderating and Mediator Variables, I thoroughly liked your statement, "How one variable can predict another variable." I liked how this video talked about different treatment modalities and how they would be researched. Many of these terms can be quite confusing, and to me seem overlapped. But, you are able to give a clear understanding on how these methods work and occur. When using Moderator and Mediator with IV, DV and how they are interchangeable or correlated provided me with information that I needed. Thank you again, for your thorough examples.

[oliviahylton]

I am a visual learner so I really liked how this video incorporated various models to help explain moderator, mediator and confounding variables.

[brittanyhoffman]

Thank you for the video Dr. Grande. I appreciate the explanation of what the moderator and mediator are and how they relate to the independent and dependent variables. I also appreciate learning the differences in the mediator and the compound variable, and having the visuals to get a better understanding of those terms through examples.

[amandadonelson]

I was having trouble trying to distinguish the difference between moderator and mediator variables. I performed a search and this video came up. This video solidified the understanding of these terms. Thank you!

[aprilbrooks]

More variables! A moderator is the strength of strong or weak causality between variables, as the mediator is the relationship of why and how the two are related. I think the example diagrams were a great way to show the differences.

[simonehenry]

I must say that I never really was exposed to moderator variables. the examples shown were very clear and helped me understand these variables and what they do to the independent and dependent variables. Very good video.

[brittanyvodzak]

I had no idea what moderator and mediator variables were before watching this video. I liked how Dr. Grande took his time to explain it all. The examples really helped me understand this topic. It is hard for b to understand something without trying to apply it.

[jackiedeleonardis]

This video helped to break down the differences between variables. The examples given made the differences clear. Very informative explanations of the different variables and causal relationships.

[NighthawkMS]

I remember being given an example in undergrad about correlation not equaling causation: as the number of ice cream sales increases, the number of drownings also increases. Obviously, the first does not cause the second, but instead both are affected by the third variable of the temperature rising. I realize now that I was being taught the concept of confound variables without actually knowing the term, which made Dr. Grande's explanation immediately make sense.

[laurynmoffa]

Dr. Grande, this video helped me understand my own research topic a bit better as it relates to independent variables, dependent variables, moderator, and mediator variables, and confound variables. Prior to this video, I was unaware what moderator, mediator, and confound variables were.

[rebeccameece]

I was really happy to hear the examples of the moderator and confound variables! They made the terms much easier to understand! It was interesting to see, in the example for moderator variables, the different variables of the miles from the agency, the family support an the multiple jobs and how it affected the sessions by decreasing, increasing or changing the direction of attending those sessions. Seeing the example made it more understandable and less stressful and intimidating to think about!

[toniettemorda]

This video was very informing on the different factors that play a role in independent and dependent variables. We never really touched upon the mediator and moderator in my undergraduate program. I never knew that the moderator variable relates to the strength of the dependent and independent relationships. Also, the mediator, which explains why, or how the relationship exists. The confounding variable relates to something that will have a negative effect on something else. The example given, that summer effects the number of studying hours has a direct impact on the studying. Not the other way around. This is what makes it a confound variable. Great video!

[meganblackwell]

I appreciate the distinction that independent variable and predictor variable, as well as the dependent variable and outcome variable are interchangeable when talking about a linear regression. I remember reading these in undergrad textbooks and wondering if they were similar. Clarification is great. The three examples of moderator variables concretely explained how a relationship could decrease, increase or change direction. I found this very helpful.

[tiffanycardona]

Dr. Grande!! I am a subscriber who enjoys your analysis of different behaviors. I am currently in a research class and my professor posted your video for the purpose of learning about moderators. I am so excited to see my two worlds collide! I had no idea your older videos have this kind of content. So happy I found you on YT two years ago!

[kimberlydixon]

This video was really my first exposure to these variables.  My other research classes didn't discuss these at all so I really found this video to be informative and it definitely helped me understand the relationship between the variables and the impact they have on research.

[rosasutton]

Thank you for providing examples to explain moderator and mediator variables. The examples were very helpful and made the concepts easier to understand. Thank you.

[JoeDirt-elfr]

I liked how the variables were explained. Moderator variables effect other variables as explained. Such as miles from an agency the treatment attendance rate tends to decrease. Then the mediator variable is the relationship between two variables. This was all explained in a way that was easy to grasp.

[kamaladhakal]

Thank you for the video Dr. Grande. Such a clear explanation with example about moderator, mediator and confounding variables.

[MyDonh]

Again, the use of examples in this video helped tremendously to understand the difference between the three variables.