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Contrasting Contrasts: An Exploration of Methods for Comparing Indirect Effects in Mediation Models

Coutts, Jacob J
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4213-1098
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1605579439442685

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Psychology.
Establishing a cause–effect relationship between two variables is a fundamental goal of scientific research. It is valuable to know that one variable causally influences another. Just as important, however, is establishing how, or through what mechanism(s), this effect operates. Mediation analysis is a popular method used to answer such questions. A simple application of the mediation model looks at how one intervening variable (a "mediator") can explain the relationship between two others. The quantification of an effect through a mediator is called an indirect effect. Real-world processes are complex, however, and effects are often transmitted by more than one mechanism. Consequently, it can be beneficial to simultaneously look at multiple mediators that could explain the connection between an antecedent variable and its consequent. As multiple mediator models continue to grow in popularity, it is theoretically and practically useful to explore whether one mechanism is “stronger” or “more important” in producing an effect than another. This can be done by comparing the relative sizes of the indirect effects. Although several methods have been proposed in the methodological literature for comparing indirect effects, little to no literature exists exploring whether one method is better than another. The goal of this thesis is to first give a background on mediation analysis and multiple mediator models. Then I discuss current approaches to comparing indirect effects and suggest alternative ways of doing so. Next, I demonstrate these concepts by conducting analyses in a real-world example. Finally, I conduct a simulation study comparing methods for comparing indirect effects and give suggestions for future research.
Andrew Hayes (Advisor)
Jolynn Pek (Committee Member)
Steven Maceachern (Committee Member)
75 p.
Psychology; Quantitative Psychology
mediation, parallel mediation model, contrasts, indirect effects, comparing indirect effects, multiple mediator models

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Coutts, J. J. (2020). Contrasting Contrasts: An Exploration of Methods for Comparing Indirect Effects in Mediation Models [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1605579439442685

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Coutts, Jacob. Contrasting Contrasts: An Exploration of Methods for Comparing Indirect Effects in Mediation Models. 2020. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1605579439442685.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Coutts, Jacob. "Contrasting Contrasts: An Exploration of Methods for Comparing Indirect Effects in Mediation Models." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1605579439442685

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1605579439442685
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.