Importance of moderating and intervening variables on the relationship between independent and dependent variables

Abstract

This paper has clarified the importance as well as roles of moderating variable and mediating (or intervening) variable in research studies, from the basic mathematical view point. The popular paper written by Baron and Kenny (1986) has been used as the main reference and other follow up models suggested by various authors are also discussed. Some corrective measures are put forward for the effective utilization of the roles of moderating and mediating variables in the model equations for the undertaken applied science studies.