Mediator or Moderator?

[@Gaskination]

Here's a fun pet project I've been working on: udreamed.com/. It is a dream analytics app. Here is the KZbin channel where we post a new video almost three times per week: kzbin.info/door/iujxblFduQz8V4xHjMzyzQ Also available on iOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/udreamed/id1054428074 And Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unconsciouscognitioninc.unconsciouscognition&hl=en Check it out! Thanks!

[@nickpridemore7909]

I've watched about 20 videos trying to get my head around this difference and never quite got it. Finally, I understand. Thank you, James.

[@lamortexotique]

James, you will be the reason I will be able to finish writing my Master's thesis proposal today. No video or teacher or lecture slides have been able to help me learn this ever. I wish you many many subscribers, likes and whatever you need to be happy in life. Thank you. For others, if there are the following variables: 1. motivation to learn about moderators and mediators 2. ease of learning about moderators and mediators 3. efforts in searching for James' YT channel 4. presence of other crappy videos on the same topic Then, "motivation to learn about moderators and mediators" is the IV, "ease of learning about moderators and mediators" is the DV, "efforts in searching for James' YT channel" is the mediator, and "presence of other crappy videos on the same topic" is the moderator.

[@jasminali3680]

I share your sentiments

[@thegreatestkate]

Literally the single best explanation of mediating vs. moderating variables. I've struggled through a whole year of my PhD trying to get this. And within 5 minutes, now I get it! THANK YOU THANK YOU

[@BrandingForAdvantage]

WOW!

[@FATMA-hj7lu]

The briefest, easiest and efficient way among all explanations. Thank you.

[@adamwells5284]

I have spent numerous hours, read several books, and watched many videos trying to figure this out. This was by far the most beneficial explanation. Thank you.

[@DrRussell]

Mr Gaskin, thank you for this explanation. As narrow as the focus of the video may seem, it has influenced my entire life in altering how I understand cause and effect, and will benefit every aspect of every function in which I serve. I cannot thank you enough for this.

[@jessicaguillen7971]

I CANNOT BELIEVE I FINALLY GET THIS. I'm sick of wasting my money in classes that leave me more confused. Thank you!!!!!!

[@castmarco]

After years of trying to find a simple way to understand these two concepts I finally get it! Thanks a bunch. If I got it correctly this time, the satisfaction with my learning after watching your video was the mediator that made me sign up to your channel ;)

[@salahsaada9561]

Amazing and very insightful and concise explanation for this confusingly issue, thank you James.

[@olga_balzhi]

I read about the difference 1000 times and always would forget when i needed meaning I never understood, thank you for such a clear example

[@jennifermagdaleno788]

This video is by far the simplest and most understanding video. Thank you sooo much James for using these simple and not complex examples.

[@unpocopicante]

James, I appreciate this explanation more than you know. While I've had 20 different explanations of this concept and do understand what they mean, this video helps me understand the criteria. Great explanation!

[@hansty22]

FINALLY get this. The value of just explaining something in simplistic, understandable terms can’t be overstated. Reading the comments I know I’m not the only one! Thank you! 🙌🏻

[@MichelleRiam]

Thank you so much for this. After hours of googling, reading, and watching numerous explanations about the topics, I can now have a break because of your video. Very much appreciated :)

[@rainbowzebra361]

This is genuinely one of the most helpful videos I have seen in quite a long time. Thank you so much.

[@lisasaville4322]

Thank you!! This is by far the best explanation I came across. I understood moderator but not mediator and you made that concept click finally!

[@Falar_TH]

This is literally easiest explaination about the difference between them. Thank you so much!!

[@SyahirahShimmer]

I finally understood. This video is way simpler than my lecture slides. Thank you!

[@alamer11]

fantastic, straightforward and clear explanations, James. You're amzing!

[@쥴스-n3e]

Now I can finally get a clear idea of the difference between the two. And perfect examples!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@markeacott9360]

Thank you, I've been sitting here for hours trying to figure this out and this is the only clear explanation I've come across :)

[@Gaskination]

This may also be informative: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKnblZhsacybgpo

[@markeacott9360]

@@Gaskination It was, thank you :)

[@7swordquanta459]

Thank you for the very simple explanation! The other definitions I found were confusing but yours is simpler and more direct to the point.

[@flora4292]

years staying in academia, had to keep visiting these two concepts since always get confused, now finally get it n think won't get confused anymore. thank you James!!!

[@jasminali3680]

This helped me so much, THANKS to you I can finally wrap my hand around this and get cracking . I was all over the place constantly switching variables, so lost. This video clarified everything!

[@enbofficial3044]

You get so many emails on this because so many people are bad at explaining it. This is the best explanation I’ve seen. Bravo.

[@andrew.lanc3r]

I wish you were my lecturer. My teacher is simply wasting hours and hours of my time using complicated research terms when you did it in 30 seconds.

[@stretch8390]

Most clear explanation on the topic I've come across, very helpful thankyou!

[@aycaakdilsonmez1036]

Finally I could find a perfect explanation! Thank you for sharing this video. It is extremely important for me to understand the difference as I will be dealing with moderation analysis soon. Thank you, James! :)

[@fobioma5545]

Awesome explanation! Simple, clear, straight to the point. Thank you!

[@takeiteasy3525]

Thank you - seriously, this has helped me more than anything I've been taught or doing currently in my unit.

[@Jmkshwetajha99.99]

This is excellent explanation of Moderator and Mediating variable MR. James Gaskin.

[@ToddErnst1999]

Sooooo glad someone still knows that you either have man parts or woman parts. Thanks for the video as well. I am working a research class for Clinical Mental health and the book was less than helpful in explaining this. Very much appreciated.

[@madisonaverysnell9640]

Studying for my Program Evaluation Final for my MPH degree, thank you for your service !!!!!!

[@christophershields837]

I had to read an article about the differnce and it made no sense because it didn't include context. Thanks for the examples, really all I needed!

[@patty.is.procrastinating]

Extremely clear and to the point. The illustration is very easy to understand as well. Thank you so much!

[@sakuraka7]

That is an excellent video and explains everything I want on this topic! The best explanation, thanks James!

[@eidal-ameri9527]

I was really struggling with this and after watching your video its very clear now

[@dongskijyu8583]

Very clear explanation and lessens my headache in understanding their difference 😂 Kidding aside, thank you, very helpful as I am doing my dissertation paper now.

[@murodu]

3:17 So you are saying that I can not change my gender by exercising, damn it!!!

[@VloggingwithSadiaology]

hahahhahah

[@salemkatrani3847]

Many videos I have watched but I didn't understand...but for your video I already understood

[@ah-chookoo7766]

Thank you for this channel, James Gaskin. You are my guru.

[@adeleharmse5892]

Simple explanation of a complex issue. Thank you, you helped a lot!

[@idkwhattonamemychannel4291]

Thank you so so much. Got through bachelor's without understanding but I finally get it!!

[@shawnli3158]

This video really help to understand the difference between mediator and moderator.

[@celiayanglu9141]

Gonna have a quiz on this soon. This video does clarify the difference. Thanks a lot!!!!

[@berkandemir4220]

Very good explanation and the examples are right on point. Thank you so much!

[@abumonyeigbo5040]

Simply presented, and well understood. Thanks a lot

[@festnotfirst]

very simple, straightforward and easy to understand. Thank you

[@mahfoozurrahman8503]

This one is an oasis in the midst of a vast confusing desert of information. Thanks a ton!

[@IDwaikat]

The best video I watched explained the differences. Thanks @James

[@AmyFerguson]

I had a problem actually keeping the words themselves straight. I think because for me they kind of bring up a third thing in relation to two things, especially in reference to people. (A moderator in a meeting, A mediator in a debate) So what I'm going to associate it with is "moderation" as in the saying "everything in moderation." What is this everything? It's a situation that tips the scale in a certain direction. The context. The condition. When and when not? When one drinks too much. When one exercises too much. or Whom. A person who is too restrictive in their diet.

[@MarkyTVofficial]

3:20 punchline to understand it :) very clear and thank you 👏

[@syahruldeen4955]

thanks james. i love this explanation. simple and robust. your rock.

[@restumahesa849]

Good explanation and very brief. Thanks James 👍

[@ricardoveiga007]

Hi, James! Thanks a lot for more this useful video for structural equation modeling classes. Take care!

[@sarrahaseen9200]

Thank you so much for explaining the difference. You made it crystal clear.

[@PRbestie]

Literally the best explanation. Thank you!

[@TheAexo]

Simple and clear explanation! You may go to heaven!

[@JNeutronFTW]

The best description that I have found. Thanks

[@katewheat402]

Thank you for the easy-to-understand explanation. :)

[@jazmineperez9045]

Omg thanks you Dave, this clarifies the difference between moderator and mediator!

[@STERLINGProductions]

This was so straight forward and really cleared things up for me! Thanks!

[@joelyap2799]

Dear Professor Gaskin, I have been learning about your videos since a few years ago, and they are all beneficial! Lately, I came across a mediation model (simple mediation model, model 4). My variables are as follows: IV (emotional intelligence), MV( resilience), and DV (perceived stress). In my study, emotional intelligence is believed to positively predict resilience (MV), and resilience (MV) is believed to negatively predict perceived stress (DV). I have an IV-DV hypothesis in which emotional Intelligence is believed to negatively predict perceived stress (DV). However, I got confused after running PROCESS macro for my test. Here are my results: I found a significant indirect effect (presence of a mediation), a negative sign, a nonsignificant direct effect (positive sign), and a significant Total effect (negative sign). I don't know why the direct effect has the opposite sign to the indirect and total effect, even if it is nonsignificant. Is this common in mediation and what will be the implications if I have an opposite direct effect sign (nonsignificant)? I would greatly appreciate your reply.

[@joelyap2799]

To summarise my results: significant Indirect effect, negative sign (B= -.17), Significant total effect, negative sign (B= -.12), and nonsignificant direct effect, positive sign (B=.05)., other path coefficients; significant path a - emotional intelligence (IV) -> resilience (MV) (B=.47), significant path b - resilience (MV) -> perceived stress (DV), (B= -.32)

[@Gaskination]

Since the direct effect is not significant, its sign does not matter. You only have a significant negative indirect effect.

[@selimy5553]

Unbelievably crystal clear

[@sintingritalam7530]

Thx for your clear explanation This video solved my puzzle

[@TokenFun105]

Your videos helped me so much when I was a PhD student. I am now a lecturer and I still come here to refresh on stats. Thanks so much for these videos it’s so appreciated.

[@ajitanayar7393]

Very well explained, James.

[@lc2077]

Thanks this has been so helpful. It was simply explained clearly.

[@adammesrar2641]

Maaan. Thank u. Finally a good answer for this issue

[@marty2476]

Thank you the well explained video! Finally got the concept !!

[@RodrigoFabretti]

Very clear and straight to the point! :) Thanks for sharing!

[@Christian-wm5bq]

Can a variable be both a mediator and a moderator. For example if Gender has an effect on Income, it can both be mediated and moderated by employment-status?

[@Gaskination]

Employment status can be a mediator and a moderator because gender can have an effect on employment status (assuming there is gender discrimination), and employment status can change the effect of some variable on some other variable (not sure about gender to income relationship moderated by emploment status, since income should be zero for male or female if unemployed...)

[@Christian-wm5bq]

@@Gaskination Ah yes I see, thanks. Maybe Sector (private/public) would have been a better example...

[@sumitkarate951]

Super clear now...thanks so much Sensei James

[@jenniebernstein8798]

Hi James-Thanks for this video. Question-could caloric intake be a MODERATOR if it's not exercise that's causing the change in intake? Like, what if how much you eat is independent of exercise and for people who choose high calorie foods, exercise doesn't really impact weight loss, but for people who choose low calorie foods, it does. (I'm not saying this is actually true, just an example to see if I understand the concept...)

[@Gaskination]

Yes, that is correct.

[@nabflyer]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@foadkhosrowshahi9118]

It is really really illuminative. Thank you so much

[@syediqterabulhassan8779]

Very nice way of teaching

[@novelty1018]

excelent explanation of difference . thanks

[@need_tbd]

James❤ Well explained I got my answers 👏🙌👌

[@hazemal5508]

Thank you for your illustration, simple and effective.

[@ramaduguhiranmayakaparthi6003]

thanks for making it simple. So, from your explanation, its evident that a variable can't be both mediator and moderator in a given causal relationship between other two variables? More over, are they distinguished at only one level/reason of causality, not any other dimensions on which they can be distinguished?

[@wahajuddinmohammad6995]

HIRANMAYAKAPARTHI R writing MCAT?

[@ramaduguhiranmayakaparthi6003]

@@wahajuddinmohammad6995 I don't even know about it, so NO.

[@Gaskination]

@@ramaduguhiranmayakaparthi6003 There are some rare cases where a mediator might be considered as a moderator (in a separate model), but not at the same time. The variable either: 1. is the reason for the effect X has on Y (i.e., it's a mediator) 2. or has an augmenting (strengthening, weakening, reversing, nullifying) effect on the relationship between X and Y (i.e., it's a moderator)

[@waletea5748]

Variabel Mediasi/ Mediator (z) harus memiliki hubungan dengan IV (x) untuk bisa mempengaruhi DV (y) .. Sedangkan variabel moderator/intervening harus Tidak memiliki hubungan dengan variabe independen (x)..

[@Gaskination]

Ya itu benar

[@waletea5748]

@@Gaskination matur suwon Mr. James 👍👍

[@giuliag1634]

Thank you!!! Super clear explanation I LOVE IT 😍

[@LaReine_8650]

Thanks James! This was very helpful.

[@Accounting_Wizard]

Wonderfully Explained!!

[@luisluiscunha]

So informative, as usual: thank you very much James :)

[@printopdracht6462]

Could there be a grey area? Caloric-intake could be a moderator: Exercise leads to weight loss, but how much depends on (conditional) caloric intake . Just as the amount of distractions moderates curiosity > learning .

[@Gaskination]

I agree that caloric intake could actually be either since exercise may also lead to eating more (because you are hungrier). It is not always clear cut whether it should be a mediator or a moderator, but the rules in the video provide guidance when a variable might clearly violate one of the rules. I guess the strictest rule is that a mediator must be a causal outcome and causal antecedent of the IV and DV. If it is not, it cannot be a mediator. However, a moderator might have a mediating and an amplifying effect...

[@printopdracht6462]

@@Gaskination In this case it might be the context which is relevant to decide on whether the variable is a moderator or mediator.

[@Gaskination]

@@printopdracht6462 correct, as long as it doesn't violate the mediator rule.

[@esztellavezer767]

@@Gaskination I'm dealing with this exact situation in my research at the moment. I'd like to investigate the effects of a variable as both a mediator and moderator (because it really is both) but I don't believe it can be done in a single SEM model? Is that right?

[@Gaskination]

@@esztellavezer767 Correct. You must test these two hypotheses separately.

[@Ella.Ingeborg]

Fantastic video! Thanks for the explanation

[@nbuchana721]

Great video, I'm sending it to my graduate students!

[@monicatbgibson8754]

For the formative variable p-value, you mentioned taking the liberal approach with a p-value of .10 when assessing bootstrap weights. Question: Do you use the same liberal p-value of .10 when explaining moderation or mediation and using the indirect effects or total effects assessment tables in SmartPLS V3.3?

[@Gaskination]

I do. But this is personal preference. I think that anything other than a confirmatory direct effect should be assessed with some tolerance.

[@sj3921]

Thanks for the video. I have a question: Can a variable be a mediator between A and C; and at the same time be a moderator of B and C? Does such relationships exist?

[@Gaskination]

I would recommend testing these hypotheses separately.

[@matthewmcmahon6242]

In this day and age gender could probably be a mediator variable (not saying I agree nor disagree with that!). Clear video, thanks James.

[@saifulsafrim]

good explanation, thank you James

[@ErayErtugrul09]

Thank you James! That was really helpful!

[@Man0fSte3l]

This guy saved my life. Thanks.

[@umamaheswariv3074]

Hi James, When we have constructs with varying items say Construct Attitude has 4 items and Construct Behaviour has 6 items, Should we average out the total score of each construct before we carry out any statistical test like t-test, anova and so on? Please clarify

[@Gaskination]

For t-test and anova, these will look at the average anyway, so you will have to combine the items in some way. An average is fine. As for whether there is an issue with having four and six items, no, it is fine.

[@umamaheswariv3074]

@@Gaskination Thanks a lot

[@chilumbakbwalya3599]

Thank you James. This is insightful.

[@emmasplantz]

this was SO helpful. Thank you so much.

[@MuhammadJR-s7i]

Dear Professor, Thank you for the insightful explanation. Could you please further clarify a tricky concept in moderation analysis? For example, as we know in simple moderation, where there's a significant and positive effect of an independent variable (X) on a dependent variable (Y), and a moderator variable (W) significantly moderates this relationship, a positive sign of the moderating value implies strengthening the relationship, while a negative sign suggests weakening it. However, if there's already a significant and negative relationship, such as Abusive leadership (X) and Employee Creativity (Y) shows a significant but negative relationship by this result(-0.161, p < .05), and Stress (W) moderates this relationship significantly but negatively (-0.201, p < .05), could you explain the implications of this negative moderator value? Does it further weaken or possibly reverse the negative relationship between abusive supervision and employee creativity?

[@Gaskination]

This depends on the regression weight of the interaction. If it is positive, then Stress DAMPENS the negative relationship between Abusive Leader and Employee Creativity. However, if it is negative, then Stress STRENGTHENS the negative relationship between Abusive Leader and Employee Creativity.

[@MuhammadJR-s7i]

Thank you prof. you are always helpful. Stay blessed@@Gaskination