Hidden Moderators

Last updated on Feb 18, 2026

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Definition: Contextual conditions that can, unbeknownst to researchers, make the results of a replication attempt deviate from those of the original study. Hidden moderators are sometimes invoked to explain (away) failed replications. Also called hidden assumptions.

Related term: Auxiliary Hypothesis

Reference:

Zwaan, R., Etz, A., Lucas, R., & Donnellan, M. (2018). Making replication mainstream. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 41, E120. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X17001972

Drafted and Reviewed by: Ali H. Al-Hoorie, Mahmoud Elsherif, Sam Parsons