A particular variable (e.g., stress) is found to be related to a second variable (e.g., inflammation), which, in turn, is associated with an outcome variable (e.g., heart disease). Furthermore, if the second variable (inflammation) were controlled for, the relation between stress and heart disease is reduced. In this instance, inflammation is considered to be a _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this scenario, inflammation acts as a mediator because it explains the mechanism through which the first variable (stress) influences the outcome variable (heart disease). When inflammation is controlled for, the direct relationship between stress and heart disease is reduced, indicating that inflammation mediates this relationship.

A Particular Variable (E