Required sample size to detect the mediated effect

Abstract

Mediation models are widely used, and there are many tests of the mediated effect. One of the most common questions that researchers have when planning mediation studies is, "How many subjects do I need to achieve adequate power when testing for mediation?" This article presents the necessary sample sizes for six of the most common and the most recommended tests of mediation for various combinations of parameters, to provide a guide for researchers when designing studies or applying for grants.

Figures

Fig. 1

Path diagrams for (a) the total effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable and (b) the indirect effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable through the mediator variable.