Which of the following is an example of perfect mediation?
A)The strength of the relationship between the predictor and the outcome is reduced by exactly half when the mediator is included in the model.
B)The relationship between the predictor and the outcome remains the same when the mediator is included in the model.
C)The interaction of the predictor and the mediator significantly predicts the outcome, but the variables themselves do not.
D)The relationship between the predictor and the outcome is completely wiped out when the mediator is included in the model.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In perfect mediation, the relationship between the predictor and the outcome is completely explained by the mediator variable, hence when the mediator is included in the model, the relationship between the predictor and the outcome should be completely wiped out. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Option A is not applicable as the mediator may not always reduce the relationship by exactly half, option B is not applicable as there should be some change in the relationship between the predictor and the outcome, and option C describes a situation of moderated mediation, not perfect mediation.

Which of the Following Is an Example of Perfect Mediation