Journal
COMMUNICATION THEORY
Volume 30, Issue 3, Pages 227-246Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
DOI: 10.1093/ct/qtz006
Keywords
Moderation; Interaction; Conditional Effects; Type III Error
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Meta-theoretical focus is given to how communication researchers are approaching and hypothesizing moderation. A moderation typology is offered and an evaluation of the field's common practices for positing moderation reveals an inability to discern between three overarching classifications (Contributory, Contingent, Cleaved). A content analysis of eight communication journals reveals moderation hypotheses lacking a level of precision that can best aid the field's knowledge generation. In addition, vague hypothesizing is leaving communication researchers vulnerable to the commitment of Type III error (i.e., correctly rejecting a null hypothesis for the wrong reason). Recommendations are provided in an effort to improve the field's conceptualization and presentation of moderation.
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