Reconsidering Baron and Kenny: Myths and Truths about Mediation Analysis | |
Xinshu Zhao1,2![]() | |
2010-08 | |
Source Publication | Journal of Consumer Research
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ABS Journal Level | 4* |
ISSN | 0093-5301 |
Volume | 37Issue:2Pages:197-206 |
Abstract | Baron and Kenny’s procedure for determining if an independent variable affects a dependent variable through some mediator is so well known that it is used by authors and requested by reviewers almost reflexively. Many research projects have been terminated early in a research program or later in the review process because the data did not conform to Baron and Kenny’s criteria, impeding theoretical development. While the technical literature has disputed some of Baron and Kenny’s tests, this literature has not diffused to practicing researchers. We present a nontechnical summary of the flaws in the Baron and Kenny logic, some of which have not been previously noted. We provide a decision tree and a step-by-step procedure for testing mediation, classifying its type, and interpreting the implications of findings for theory building and future research. |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1086/651257 |
Indexed By | SSCI ; SSCI |
Language | 英语 |
WOS Research Area | Business & Economics |
WOS Subject | Business |
WOS ID | WOS:000279443600001 |
Fulltext Access | |
Citation statistics | |
Document Type | Journal article |
Collection | Personal research not belonging to the institution DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION |
Affiliation | 1.Univ N Carolina, Ctr Res Journalism & Mass Commun, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 USA 2.Hong Kong Baptist Univ, Sch Commun, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Peoples R China 3.Univ Colorado, Leeds Sch Business, Boulder, CO 80309 USA 4.Duke Univ, Fuqua Sch Business, Durham, NC 27708 USA 5.Univ Hawaii Manoa, Shidler Coll Business, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA |
Recommended Citation GB/T 7714 | Xinshu Zhao,Jr.John G. Lynch,Qimei Chen. Reconsidering Baron and Kenny: Myths and Truths about Mediation Analysis[J]. Journal of Consumer Research,2010,37(2):197-206. |
APA | Xinshu Zhao,Jr.John G. Lynch,&Qimei Chen.(2010).Reconsidering Baron and Kenny: Myths and Truths about Mediation Analysis.Journal of Consumer Research,37(2),197-206. |
MLA | Xinshu Zhao,et al."Reconsidering Baron and Kenny: Myths and Truths about Mediation Analysis".Journal of Consumer Research 37.2(2010):197-206. |
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