Moderator Variable
A moderator variable, commonly denoted as just M, is a third variable that affects the
strength of the relationship between a dependent and independent variable In correlation, a
moderator is a third variable that affects the correlation of two variables. In a causal
relationship, if x is the predictor variable and y is an outcome variable, then z is the
moderator variable that affects the casual relationship of x and y. Most of the moderator
variables measure causal relationship using regression coefficient. The moderator variable,
if found to be significant, can cause an amplifying or weakening effect between x and y. In
ANOVA, the moderator variable effect is represented by the interaction effect between the
dependent variable and the factor variable.
Questions Answered:
Does gender effectively moderate the relationship between desire to marry and attitudes of
marriage?
Does Z treatment effect the impact of X drug onto Y symptoms?
Moderated regression analysis: This is a regression based technique that is used to
identify the moderator variable. To explain how MRA technique works, we can use the
following example:
Let
(1)
(2)
(3)
In this equation, if (the interaction between the independent variable and moderator
variable) is not statistically significant, then Z is not a moderator variable, it is just an
independent variable. If is statistically significant, then Z will be a moderator variable, and
thus moderation is supported.
Linear vs. non-linear measurement: In a regression equation, when the relationship
between the dependent variable and the independent variable is linear, then the dependent
variable may change when the value of the moderator variable changes. In a linear
relationship, the following equation is used to represent the effect:
In this equation, the relationship is linear and represents the interaction effect of the
moderator and the independent variable. When the relationship is non-linear, the following
equation shows the effect of the moderator variable effect:
In this equation, the relationship between the dependent and the independent variable is
non-linear, so and shows the interaction effect. In a repeated measure design moderator,
the variable can also be used. In multi-level modeling, if a variable predicts the effect size,
that variable is called the moderator variable.
1. Alternative: In a non-linear relationship, a significant value of a moderator variable
does not prove the true moderator effect. Unless the moderator is a manipulated
variable, we cannot say if the moderator variable is a true moderator or if it is just
used as a proxy.
2. Level of measurement: The moderator variable is an independent variable that is
used to measure the causal relationship. Like other independent variables, it may
be categorized or continuous.
Assumptions:
1. Causal assumption: When x variable is not randomized, then causation must be
assumed. The moderator variable can reversely effect the causation, if the
causation between x and y is not presumed.
2. Causal variable relationship: The moderator variable and independent variable, in
principal, should not be related. No special interpretation can be found between a
correlated independent and moderator variable. However, they should not be too
highly correlated, otherwise, estimation problems may occur. The moderator
variable must be related to the dependent variable.
3. Measurement: Usually, the moderation effect is represented by the interaction effect
between the the dependent and independent varaible. In a multiple regression
equation, the moderator variable is as follows:
In this equation, the interaction effect between X and Z measures the moderation effect.
Typically, if there is no significant relationship on the dependent variable from the interaction
between the moderator and independent variable, moderation is not supported.
Link:
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]