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Poster Reception #1

Cluster, Multi-site and Multi-level Evaluations

Session: Poster Reception #1

10 - Design Parameter Values for Planning Mediation StudiesWith Teacher and Student Literacy Outcomes

Stream: Multi-Level and Complex Evaluations

Wednesday, October 23, 2024
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PST
Abstract Information: Despite the widespread prominence of testing and unpacking program theories using mediation analyses throughout areas of education research, there is scant empirical literature available to guide the effective and efficient prospective design of such mediation studies. In this study, we contribute to addressing this gap by developing an initial collection of empirical estimates of design parameter values for mediation studies drawing on teacher mediators and student outcomes within the context of a three-level structure: students nested in teachers nested in schools. Our analyses significantly expanded the scope and breadth of prior work with teacher mediators and student outcomes by investigating design parameter values across a broad range of contexts (e.g., academic, summer programs), modes (e.g., survey, observation, assessment), mediator types (e.g., knowledge, instruction, affect, beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, climate, program implementation), instruments (e.g., LKT, CLASS, LQI, CLE, TIPS), and domains (e.g., comprehension, word analysis, and classroom management). Collectively, the results underscore the significance of drawing on mediator- and outcome-specific design parameter estimates when planning studies and underscore the potential value of open including prior assessments of mediators in design plans.