1. Chapter 15 The Elaboration Model

2. Chapter Outline The Origins of the Elaboration Model The Elaboration Paradigm Elaboration and Ex Post Facto Hypothesizing

3. Steps in the Elaboration Model 1. A relationship is observed to exist between two variables. 2. A third variable is held constant in the sense that the cases under study are subdivided according to the attributes of that third variable.

4. Steps in the Elaboration Model 3. The original two-variable relationship is recomputed within each of the subgroups. 4. The comparison of the original relationship with the relationships found within each subgroup provides a fuller understanding of the original relationship itself.

5. Possible Outcomes of Elaboration Analysis Replication – A set of partial relationships is essentially the same as the corresponding zero-order relationship. Explanation - A set of partial relationships is reduced essentially to zero when an antecedent variable is held constant.

6. Possible Outcomes of Elaboration Analysis Interpretation - A set of partial relationships is reduced essentially to zero when an intervening variable is held constant). Specification - One partial relationship is reduced, ideally to zero, and the other remains about the same as the original relationship or is stronger.

7. Replication The result when partial relationships are essentially the same as the original relationship. The original relationship has been replicated under test conditions.

8. Explanation When an original relationship is shown to be false through the introduction of a test variable. Requires two conditions: 1. The test variable must be antecedent to both the independent and dependent variables. 2. The partial relationships must be zero or significantly less than those found in the original.

9. Interpretation The outcome in which a test or control variable is discovered to be the mediating factor through which an independent variable has its effect on a dependent variable. Does not deny the validity of the original causal relationship but clarifies the process through which that relationship functions.

10. Specification Partial relationships that differ significantly from each other. Example: one partial relationship is the same as or stronger than the original two-variable relationship, and the second partial relationship is less than the original and may be reduced to zero. Specifies the conditions under which the original relationship holds.

11. Ex Post Facto Hypothesizing Development of hypotheses “predicting” relationships that have already been observed. Invalid because it’s impossible to disconfirm them.