In a (Fictional) Series of Quasi-Experimental Studies, Low Self-Esteem Was

Multiple Choice

In a (fictional) series of quasi-experimental studies, low self-esteem was found to be correlated with preference for contact sports (e.g., hockey) . However, researchers subsequently discovered that the relationship between self-esteem and contact sports was stronger for men than it was for women. In this example, gender best reflects what type of variable?

A) moderator variable
B) mediator variable
C) spurious third variable
D) unidirectional causal variable