GDB Quantitative Techniques PRM 602

Q: Differentiate between Moderating and Mediating variables.

Moderating Variables:

This variable has a direct impact or influence on the relationship between dependent variable and independent variable. This variable affects the direction and strength of the relation between an independent or predictor variable and a dependent or criterion variable.

Mediating Variables:

Mediating Variable according to Uma Sekaran (Research methods for Business) is one ‘that surfaces between the time the independent variable start operating to influence the dependent variable and the time their impact is felt on it’.

Example:

The success of an actor depends on his performance in the movies or dramas. The more he performs well the more he will become famous but another moderating variable is the money being offered to the actor. The viewer’s choice will act as the mediating variable.

Independent variable Dependent variable

Moderating variable

Success of an actor in media

Performance of actor

Money earned by him

Success of an actor in media

Performance of actor

Mediating variable

Viewers choice

Money earned by him

Performance of actor Success of an actor in media