Q: How should I position my moderator variable?
How should I position my moderator variable? (Independent Variable = Transparency) (Mediators = Trust and Reputation) (Dependent variables = Purchase Intention and Brand Attitude) (Moderator = Awareness of issues)For my thesis, I am researching the role of transparency on purchase intention in the fashion industry. I am also interested in testing the moderation of Awareness on Purchase Intention. However, I am struggling on how to position my moderator variable. Does it make sense to have a direct link between Transparency (IV) and Purchase intention (DV) and to test moderation in between? Or does it make more sense to test the moderation through the mediating variables, so between trust and purchase intention and corporate reputation and purchase intention? Or perhaps between my IV and mediators?
Unfortunately, I don't think I will be able to help you out with this question since it can be best answered by the person who is conducting the study.
In fact, this is something your professor would expect you to figure out yourself. This is a fundamental part of the research, and you will be evaluated on how well you construct the model. In that sense, it would not really be ethical for someone else to do this on your behalf.
Related reading:
