Abstract
Abstract This essay addresses the need for media effects researchers to decompose their structural equation models. We highlight the importance of studying specific indirect effects within a conditional effects framework and discuss how the lack of analysis of this type of effect in structural equation modeling does not fit well with the discipline's theoretical foundations. We summarize several classes of mediation formulas and make recommendations for the estimation and testing of mediating relationships. Finally, an argument is made that the study of mediation is a necessary but not sufficient condition for better understanding media influence.
Keywords
Structural equation modelingMediationArgument (complex analysis)EconometricsPsychologyComputer scienceSocial psychologyMathematicsSociologySocial science
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Publication Info
- Year
- 2003
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 47
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 556-572
- Citations
- 245
- Access
- Closed
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Cite This
R. Lance Holbert,
Michael T. Stephenson
(2003).
The Importance of Indirect Effects in Media Effects Research: Testing for Mediation in Structural Equation Modeling.
Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media
, 47
(4)
, 556-572.
https://doi.org/10.1207/s15506878jobem4704_5
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1207/s15506878jobem4704_5