Moderation in research refers to the process of analyzing the relationship between two or more variables by considering the effect of a third variable. This third variable, known as the moderator, can influence the strength or direction of the relationship between the other variables. Moderation analysis helps researchers understand under what conditions or for whom a particular relationship may be stronger or weaker. This type of analysis is commonly used in psychology, sociology, and other social sciences to uncover complex relationships between variables and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms at play.