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DictionarymoderatorRelationship influence
noun

moderator

A variable that changes the strength or direction of a relationship between other variables.

The study tests age as a moderator of exercise's effect on balance.

Etymology
moderatorLatinregulator or controller

The Latin word names something that regulates or directs. Statistics applies that regulating idea to a variable that alters the relationship between other variables.

More examples

  • Income may be a moderator of the link between education and health.
  • The researchers test whether age and gender are moderators.
  • As a moderator, social support weakens the relationship between stress and illness.

Forms

moderator · moderators

moderation noun — Dependence of a relationship on another variable.

moderate verb — To change a relationship's strength or direction.

Similar words

effect modifier
Especially common in epidemiology for variables that alter an effect.