The Process of Elaboration


The process of introducing a control variable has a variety of outcomes and interpretations depending upon two specific conditions:
  1. How, if at all, the relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable changes; and
  2. whether the control variable is antecedent or intervening.
Here are the possible outcomes and their interpretations in terms of what they mean with respect to the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.



And the control variable is:
If the relationship between the independent and dependent variable does this in the control tables:
Antecedent Intervening
Remains Replication
-The relationship is "genuine."

IV ð DV
Disappears Explanation
-The relationship is spurious.

CV
÷ ø
 IV       DV

 Interpretation
-The control variable is the causal link between the independent and dependent variable.

IV ð CV ð DV
Weakens Partial Explanation
-The relationship is partially spurious.

CV
÷ ø
IV ð DV

 Partial Interpretation
-The control variable serves as a partial causal link between the independent and dependent variable.

IV ð CV ð DV
Ä     ð     È
Varies Specification
-The relationship is conditional, depending on the control variable, i.e. the independent variable and the control variable interact with one another.

IV X CV ð DV