TABLE 3.

Bias study in NIE. (A) Simulation study for the outcome model generated using latent class mediator. (B) Simulation study for the outcome model generated using multiple mediators without latent class

Model used in analysis		NIE				NDE
		Estimate	SD	Bias	SE	Estimate	SD	Bias	SE
(A)
Observed multiple mediator model	No interaction	−3.80	0.87	0.94	0.03	−0.86	1.65	−0.94	0.05
	Four Ai-Zim interactions	−3.05	0.91	1.69	0.03	−1.59	1.69	−1.67	0.05
Latent class mediator model (TRUEa)	(i) Simultaneous estimation	−4.81	1.24	−0.07	0.04	0.15	1.87	0.08	0.06
	(ii) Three-step estimation**:
	Pseudo-class draw	−4.35	1.27	0.39	0.03	−0.27	2.09	−0.35	0.05
	Modal assignment	−4.44	1.27	0.30	0.03	−0.18	2.09	−0.26	0.05
	Proportional assignment	−4.67	1.31	0.069	0.03	0.049	2.12	−0.03	0.05

^aTrue indirect effect = −4.74. True direct effect =0.08.

^**Posterior probabilities.