Mediating Variable: A mediating variable is an intermediate factor that helps explain the relationship between two other variables. For example, self-efficacy could be a mediating variable that explains how conscientiousness influences academic performance.
Moderating Variable: A moderating variable is a factor that affects the strength or direction of the relationship between two other variables. In this case, a moderating variable could be study environment, where a quiet study environment may enhance the impact of conscientiousness on academic performance.
Third Variable: A third variable refers to an unaccounted-for factor that may be influencing both the independent and dependent variables. For instance, sleep quality could be a third variable that affects both conscientiousness and academic performance simultaneously.