# endogeneity problem vs. mediating variable

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [August 24, 2009, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512 "2009-08-24T16:22:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![drhess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/94ad74/32.png) [@drhess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drhess)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2009, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512/1 "2009-08-24T16:22:11Z")

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Is there a difference between stating that in a statistical model one variable mediates the impact of another variable (perhaps not completely) on the outcome vs. stating that there is an “endogeneity problem” in the model?

I ask as I’m wondering if these are the same problem (potentially at least) just expressed differently in different disciplines or jargon. It seems that solutions to the mediating variable problem are explained quiet differently than to the “endogeneity problem” but this might also be an example of how the issue is treated by sociologists/public health writers vs. economists (and their ilk).

Thanks.

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**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2009, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512/2 "2009-08-24T16:48:29Z")

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Did you mean to post this in GQ?

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**Author:** ![drhess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/94ad74/32.png) [@drhess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drhess)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2009, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512/3 "2009-08-24T17:00:38Z")

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Opps. Yes. Should I re-post there or wait for admin to find it?

Thanks.

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**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2009, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512/4 "2009-08-24T17:38:20Z")

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I’ve reported it. They should find it soon enough.

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**Author:** ![drhess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/94ad74/32.png) [@drhess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drhess)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2009, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512/5 "2009-08-24T17:49:27Z")

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> [@Chronos](#):
>
> I’ve reported it. They should find it soon enough.

Ahh, I see. Thanks. :smack:

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**Author:** ![drhess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/94ad74/32.png) [@drhess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drhess)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512/6 "2009-08-25T03:49:28Z")

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Ok. I reposted so this can just be delted now.

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**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2009, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogeneity-problem-vs-mediating-variable/507512/7 "2009-08-25T04:25:31Z")

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Closed duplicate thread. See the [other thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=11480902#post11480902) in GQ here.

Colibri  
General Questions Moderator