1, increasing the complexity of research: intermediate variables play a "bridge" role in research, which explains the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables. However, the introduction of intermediate variables will increase the complexity of research, making researchers need to invest more time and energy to understand and verify the relationship between variables. This may make research difficult or the results difficult to explain.
2. It may lead to misleading conclusions: In the research, it may lead to misleading conclusions if the role of intermediary variables is not correctly understood and explained. For example, researchers may mistakenly attribute the role of intermediary variables to independent variables or dependent variables, thus drawing inaccurate conclusions.
3. The requirements for sample size and statistical methods are very high: in order to accurately test the role of intermediate variables, researchers usually need large sample size and complex statistical methods. If the sample size is insufficient or the statistical methods are improper, the results may be inaccurate or unreliable.