Abstract
R. M. Baron and D. A. Kenny (1986; see record 1987-13085-001) provided clarion conceptual and methodological guidelines for testing mediational models with cross-sectional data. Graduating from cross-sectional to longitudinal designs enables researchers to make more rigorous inferences about the causal relations implied by such models. In this transition, misconceptions and erroneous assumptions are the norm. First, we describe some of the questions that arise (and misconceptions that sometimes emerge) in longitudinal tests of mediational models. We also provide a collection of tips for structural equation modeling (SEM) of mediational processes. Finally, we suggest a series of 5 steps when using SEM to test mediational processes in longitudinal designs: testing the measurement model, testing for added components, testing for omitted paths, testing the stationarity assumption, and estimating the mediational effects.
Keywords
Structural equation modelingPsychologyCLARIONLongitudinal dataCausal modelLongitudinal studyEconometricsStatistical hypothesis testingCognitive psychologyComputer scienceStatisticsMathematicsData mining
Affiliated Institutions
Related Publications
Clarifying conditions and decision points for mediational type inferences in Organizational Behavior
Abstract Although mediational designs and analyses are quite popular in Organizational Behavior research, there is much confusion surrounding the basis of causal inferences. We ...
New developments in latent variable panel analyses of longitudinal data
We review fundamental issues in one traditional structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to analyzing longitudinal data — cross-lagged panel designs. We then discuss a number...
Causation issues in structural equation modeling research
As the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) has increased, confusion has grown concerning the correct use of and the conclusions that can be legitimately drawn from these m...
Basics of Structural Equation Modeling
PART ONE: BACKGROUND What Does It Mean to Model Hypothesized Causal Processes with Nonexperimental Data? History and Logic of Structural Equation Modeling PART TWO: BASIC APPROA...
The Reciprocal Effects of the Substantive Complexity of Work and Intellectual Flexibility: A Longitudinal Assessment
Our previous research, based on cross-sectional data, provided prima facie evidence of a reciprocal relationship between the substantive complesity of men's work and their intel...
Publication Info
- Year
- 2003
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 112
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 558-577
- Citations
- 3240
- Access
- Closed
External Links
Social Impact
Altmetric
PlumX Metrics
Social media, news, blog, policy document mentions
Citation Metrics
3240
OpenAlex
Cite This
David A. Cole,
Scott E. Maxwell
(2003).
Testing Mediational Models With Longitudinal Data: Questions and Tips in the Use of Structural Equation Modeling..
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
, 112
(4)
, 558-577.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843x.112.4.558
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1037/0021-843x.112.4.558