Which of the following is true regarding mediation in the context of psychological stress research?

• A. Mediation only applies to physiological responses and not to psychological processes.
• B. Mediation occurs when a third variable explains the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable.
• C. Mediation is the same as moderation, where a third variable changes the strength or direction of the relationship between two variables.
• D. Mediation refers to the direct effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable without any intervening variables.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of mediation in psychological research. Mediation occurs when a third variable (called the mediator) explains the process or mechanism through which an independent variable influences a dependent variable.
2. Step 2: Differentiate mediation from moderation. Mediation explains how or why an effect occurs, while moderation refers to when a third variable changes the strength or direction of the relationship between two variables.
3. Step 3: Recognize that mediation is not limited to physiological responses; it can apply to psychological processes as well, such as how stress leads to anxiety through cognitive appraisal.
4. Step 4: Identify that mediation involves an indirect effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable through the mediator, rather than a direct effect without any intervening variables.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Mediation occurs when a third variable explains the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable.'