Mediation analysis is a statistical method used in research to investigate the mechanisms or processes through which an independent variable influences a dependent variable. In other words, it helps researchers understand the underlying relationships between variables by examining the mediating variables that explain the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. This analysis is important for identifying the factors that contribute to an observed effect and understanding the pathways through which variables exert their influence in a given study. Mediation analysis is commonly used in social sciences, psychology, and other fields to test and refine theoretical models and hypotheses.