A researcher identifies a potential mediating variable in the pattern of correlations among variables in a path analysis.If the researcher seeks to make a causal inference about the mediating variable,the suggested next step would be to
A) manipulate the variable as an independent variable in an experiment.
B) conduct a successive independent samples survey to measure the variable.
C) observe different levels of the variable as part of naturalistic observation.
D) determine whether a representative sample was used.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To make a causal inference about the mediating variable, the next step would be to manipulate the variable as an independent variable in an experiment. This allows the researcher to determine whether changes in the mediating variable cause changes in the dependent variable, which would support a causal relationship.

A Researcher Identifies a Potential Mediating Variable in the Pattern