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A Tale of Two Methods

Stanley A. Mulaik

Georgia Institute of Technology

Jeanne M. Brett

Northwestern University

The structural equation modeling approach to testing for mediation is compared to the Baron and Kenny approach. The approaches are essentially the same when the hypothesis being tested predicts partial mediation. The approaches differ, however, in how each tests for complete mediation. Disparities in both theory and statistical estimators are identified and discussed. A strategy for future tests of mediation is recommended.

Key Words: mediation • structural equations • causal models

Organizational Research Methods, Vol. 9, No. 2, 233-244 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1094428105285144


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