causal mediation analysis

Causal mediation analysis is a method used to understand how and why a certain effect occurs by examining the pathways through which an initial cause influences an outcome. Think of it as uncovering the steps or mechanisms—called mediators—that connect the cause to the effect. For example, if a training program improves employee performance, mediation analysis can help determine if the improvement is mainly due to increased motivation or better skills gained during training. This approach helps identify the specific factors driving changes, providing clearer insights into how an intervention leads to its results.