Testing the significance of mediating effects with WarpPLS using the Baron & Kenny approach

This post discusses how you can use WarpPLS to test a mediating effect using what is often referred to as the classic Baron and Kenny approach (for a recent discussion, see: Kock, 2014). You can also test mediating effects directly with WarpPLS, using indirect and total effect outputs:

http://warppls.blogspot.com/2013/04/testing-mediating-effects-directly-with.html

Using WarpPLS, one can test the significance of a mediating effect of a variable M, which is hypothesized to mediate the relationship between two other variables X and Y, by using Baron & Kenny’s (1986) criteria. The procedure is outlined below. It can be easily adapted to test multiple mediating effects, and more complex mediating effects (e.g., with multiple mediators). Please note that we are not referring to moderating effects here; these can be tested directly with WarpPLS, by adding moderating links to a model.

First two models must be built. The first model should have X pointing at Y, without M being included in the model. (You can have the variable in the WarpPLS model, but there should be no links from or to it.) The second model should have X pointing at Y, X pointing at M, and M pointing at Y. This is a “triangle”-looking model. A WarpPLS analysis must be conducted with both models, which may be saved in two different project files; this analysis may use linear or nonlinear analysis algorithms. The mediating effect will be significant if the three following criteria are met:

- In the first model, the path between X and Y is significant (e.g., P < 0.05, if this is the significance level used).

- In the second model, the path between X and M is significant.

- In the second model, the path between M and Y is significant.

Note that, in the second model, the path between M and Y controls for the effect of X. That is the way it should be. Also note that the effect of X on Y in the second model is irrelevant for this mediation significance test. Nevertheless, if the effect of X on Y in the second model is insignificant (i.e., indistinguishable from zero, statistically speaking), one can say that the case is one of “perfect” mediation. On the other hand, if the effect of X on Y in the second model is significant, one can say that the case is one of “partial” mediation. This of course assumes that the three criteria are met.

Generally, the lower the direct effect of X on Y in the second model, the more “perfect” the mediation is, if the three criteria for mediating effect significance are met.

References

Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 51(6), 1173-1182.

Kock, N. (2014). Advanced mediating effects tests, multi-group analyses, and measurement model assessments in PLS-based SEM. International Journal of e-Collaboration, 10(1), 1-13.