Testing Multilevel Mediation Using Hierarchical Linear Models: Problems and Solutions

Testing multilevel mediation using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. However, potential confounding in multilevel mediation effect estimates can arise in these models when within-group effects differ from between-group effects. This study summarizes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Organizational research methods 2009-10, Vol.12 (4), p.695-719
Main Authors: Zhang, Zhen, Zyphur, Michael J., Preacher, Kristopher J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Estimating techniques
Mathematical models
Mediation
Monte Carlo simulation
Regression analysis
Studies
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Testing multilevel mediation using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. However, potential confounding in multilevel mediation effect estimates can arise in these models when within-group effects differ from between-group effects. This study summarizes three types of HLM-based multilevel mediation models, and then explains that in two types of these models confounding can be produced and erroneous conclusions may be derived when using popularly recommended procedures. A Monte Carlo simulation study illustrates that these procedures can underestimate or overestimate true mediation effects. Recommendations are provided for appropriately testing multilevel mediation and for differentiating within-group versus between-group effects in multilevel settings.
ISSN:1094-4281
1552-7425
DOI:10.1177/1094428108327450