Which of the following is NOT true of a third variable and a mediating variable?
A) Mediating variables are internal to the causal variable, but third variables are not.
B) Third variables are considered nuisances, but mediating variables are not.
C) Multiple regression techniques can only be used to detect third variables but not mediating variables.
D) All of the above are true.
E) There are no differences between mediating and third variables.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Multiple regression techniques can be used to detect both third variables and mediating variables. The other options are true: mediating variables are internal to the causal variable, while third variables are external; third variables are seen as nuisances that can obscure the relationship between the independent and dependent variable, while mediating variables are seen as important in explaining how the causal variable affects the dependent variable.

Which of the Following Is NOT True of a Third