AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A mediating variable (or mediator) explains the process through which two variables are related, while a moderating variable (or moderator) affects the strength and direction of that relationship.

Detailed explanation-2: -In randomized experiments, relationships between independent and dependent variables tend to be causal. The independent variables cause changes in the dependent variable. Observational studies: Researchers do not set the values of the explanatory variables but instead observe them in their natural environment.

Detailed explanation-3: -Then you can figure out which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable: (Independent variable) causes a change in (Dependent Variable) and it isn’t possible that (Dependent Variable) could cause a change in (Independent Variable).

Detailed explanation-4: -Level of measurement: The moderator variable is an independent variable that is used to measure the causal relationship. Like other independent variables, it may be categorized or continuous.

Detailed explanation-5: -A confounding variable, or confounder, affects the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.