Multiple Mediation Analysis and the Path Processes between Stress and Learning: A Methodological Contribution to an Emerging Field

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Event Abstract Back to Event Multiple Mediation Analysis and the Path Processes between Stress and Learning: A Methodological Contribution to an Emerging Field John Taverniers1, 2*, Joris V. Ruysseveldt1 and Jasper V. Grumbkow1 1 Open University of the Netherlands, Faculty of Psychology, Netherlands 2 Royal Military Academy, Department of Behavioural Sciences, Belgium Many studies in the broad field of behavioral neurosciences depend for their statistical analyses upon basic two-variable relationships. Significant two-variable relationships, however, remain a methodologically necessary though insufficient condition to establish causality. Restricting analyses to bivariate correlations may even restrain the field to identify processes, to gain knowledge, and to refine theoretical paradigms. Moreover, from an advanced scientific point of view it is often even more important to explain via which paths processes such as learning occur. This implies the idea of (multiple) mediation analyses; techniques that go beyond mere description because they establish process identification. Or, as Rosenberg [(1968, p. 63). The logic of survey analysis. New York: Basic Books] already stated: "In the absence of such mediating or intervening mechanisms, one ends up with facts, but with incomplete understanding". The current study balances on the intersection between stress research, behavioral neuroscience, and cognitive psychology (memory and learning), and puts forward a strategy for more sophisticated statistical designs. Via an illustrative example – derived from psychoneuroendocrinological stress research, it subsequently demonstrates how traditional bivariate analyses can be extended through multiple mediation designs that involve asymptotic and resampling strategies. In doing so, the current statistical analysis is the first to provide arithmetic support for the generally accepted thesis in psychoneuroendocrinology that cortisol secretion in itself, rather than subjective strain or the experimental treatment, affects cognitive performance. Given that understanding path processes and methodological sophistication are fundamental to the advancement of any psychological field, the authors sincerely believe that strategies for multiple mediation analyses may contribute to the "emerging" field of educational neuroscience. Conference: EARLI SIG22 - Neuroscience and Education, Zurich, Switzerland, 3 Jun - 5 Jun, 2010. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Motivation and emotion Citation: Taverniers J, Ruysseveldt JV and Grumbkow JV (2010). Multiple Mediation Analysis and the Path Processes between Stress and Learning: A Methodological Contribution to an Emerging Field. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: EARLI SIG22 - Neuroscience and Education. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2010.11.00021 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 28 May 2010; Published Online: 28 May 2010. * Correspondence: John Taverniers, Open University of the Netherlands, Faculty of Psychology, Heerlen, Netherlands, john.taverniers@ou.nl Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers John Taverniers Joris V Ruysseveldt Jasper V Grumbkow Google John Taverniers Joris V Ruysseveldt Jasper V Grumbkow Google Scholar John Taverniers Joris V Ruysseveldt Jasper V Grumbkow PubMed John Taverniers Joris V Ruysseveldt Jasper V Grumbkow Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.