Introduction to Statistical Mediation Analysis

<p>This volume introduces the statistical methodological and conceptual aspects of mediation analysis. Applications from health social and developmental psychology sociology communication exercise science and epidemiology are emphasized throughout. Single-mediator multilevel and longitudinal models are reviewed. The author's goal is to help the reader apply mediation analysis to their own data and understand its limitations. </p><p>Each chapter features an overview numerous worked examples a summary and exercises (with answers to the odd numbered questions). The accompanying downloadable resources contain outputs described in the book from SAS SPSS LISREL EQS MPLUS and CALIS and a program to simulate the model. The notation used is consistent with existing literature on mediation in psychology.</p><p>The book opens with a review of the types of research questions the mediation model addresses. Part II describes the estimation of mediation effects including assumptions statistical tests and the construction of confidence limits. Advanced models including mediation in path analysis longitudinal models multilevel data categorical variables and mediation in the context of moderation are then described. The book closes with a discussion of the limits of mediation analysis additional approaches to identifying mediating variables and future directions. </p><p>Introduction to Statistical Mediation Analysis is intended for researchers and advanced students in health social clinical and developmental psychology as well as communication public health nursing epidemiology and sociology. Some exposure to a graduate level research methods or statistics course is assumed. The overview of mediation analysis and the guidelines for conducting a mediation analysis will be appreciated by all readers.</p>