Conceptual framework: Mediator variable
A mediator variable acts as a mediator between the dependent and the independent variable. It is an important part of the cause-and-effect relationship. It makes it easier for the reader to have a better idea about the relationship between the variables in your dissertation.
How to use a mediator variable?
A mediators variable can be used in different ways. According to the example taken in our conceptual framework article. we will be discussing how to introduce a mediator variable and will show how it can affect the relationship between the dependent and independent variables.
We will expand the relationship between our dependent variable and independent variable. Suppose, the first variable is ‘working hours’ which is the independent variable and the second variable is ‘job promotion’. the job role promotion of a person depends upon the office working hours. If we introduce a third variable in between which is ‘performance’, the third variable will act as a mediator variable.
The more no. of hours the person works, the better will be the working performance. The better the working performance the sooner he will be promoted.
This is how a conceptual framework will look like if a mediator variable is introduced:
WORKING HOURS → JOB PROMOTION
↘ ↗
PERFORMANCE
Difference between Moderator and mediator variable
There is a difference between moderator and mediator variables. A moderator variable can impact the outcome of the dependent variable but is not be affected by the independent variable.
a mediator variable defines the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variable whereas the moderator variable affects the strength of the two variables.
