MEDIATING AND MODERATING VARIABLE EFFECT OF FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL ATTITUDE AND FINANCIAL BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Today's economic conditions, developments in information and communication technologies and the impact of digitalization have obliged individuals to exhibit more responsible financial behavior. In this context, the role of financial information is very important in helping individuals make correct financial decisions and engage in responsible financial behavior. Although there are many studies in the literature on financial knowledge, attitudes and behavior, there are few studies examining the moderating and mediating effects. In this study, first of all, the relationship between individuals' financial attitudes and financial behaviors was determined. Then, it was investigated whether financial information has a moderating and mediating effect on this relationship. The data of the research was obtained through the survey method from 402 university students studying in different departments and with various demographic characteristics. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted on the data collected from the sample through questionnaires utilizing SPSS 21.0 software. Analyzes regarding the mediation and moderation effects were carried out using the SPSS Process plug-in. The first finding of the research is the existence of the effect of financial knowledge as a mediating variable on the relationship between participants'. Another result of the research is that financial knowledge has a partial moderating effect on the relationship between participants' financial attitudes and financial behaviors.