Indirect Pathways

Definition

Indirect pathways refer to the routes or mechanisms through which one variable indirectly influences another, usually involving one or more intermediate variables or factors.

Related terms

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.