ABSTRACT
This chapter describes additional methods to investigate mediating variables. Multiple mediator models are often justified because most independent variables have effects through multiple mediating processes. One solution to the problems inherent in the causal interpretation of multiple as well as single mediator models is to view the identification of mediating variables as a sustained research effort requiring a variety of experimental and nonexperimental approaches to identifying mediating variables. The chapter also describes five major overlapping approaches: mediation designs, mediation meta-analysis, moderator and mediator models revisited, qualitative methods, and exploratory methods. Combining variable-oriented with person-oriented methods is an example of the investigation of moderators and mediators. Scientific innovations and explanations often arise from qualitative methods such as intuition, clinical skill, ethnography, and historical observation. Qualitative studies and exploratory studies can be used to develop methods to test with quantitative methods in a new study.
