Structural Equation Modeling of Mediation and …（结构方程建模的中介和u2026）.pdfVIP

CHAPTER NINE Structural Equation Modeling of Mediation and Moderation With Contextual Factors Todd D. Little University of Kansas Noel A. Card University of Arizona James A. Bovaird University of Nebraska-Lincoln Kristopher J. Preacher Christian S. Crandall University of Kansas Researchers often grapple with the idea that an observed relationship may be part of a more complex chain of effects. These complex relationships are de- scribed in terms such as indirect influences, distal vs. proximal causes, interme- diate outcomes, and ultimate causes; all of which share the concept of mediation. Similarly, researchers must often consider that an observed relationship may be part of a more complex, qualified system. These relationships are described using concepts such as interactions, subgroup differences, and shocks; all of which share the concept of moderation. Generally speaking, a mediator can be thought of as the carrier or transporter of information along the causal chain of effects. A moderator, on the other hand, is the changer of a relationship in a system. In this chapter, we explore both empirical and theoretical considerations in modeling mediation and moderation using structural equation modeling. Our 207 208 LITTLE ET AL. primary focus is on how to model contextual factors that are measured as continuous latent variables, highlighting the power of SEM to rep