Exploratory graph analysis (EGA) is a commonly applied technique intended to help social scientists discover latent variables. Yet, the results can be influenced by the methodological decisions the researcher makes along the way. In this article, we focus on the choice regarding the number of factors to retain: We compare the performance of the…

The article provides perspectives on p values, null hypothesis testing, and alternative techniques in light of modern robust statistical methods. Null hypothesis testing and "p" values can provide useful information provided they are interpreted in a sound manner, which includes taking into account insights and advances that have…

Null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) has been the subject of debate for decades and alternative approaches to data analysis have been proposed. This article addresses this debate from the perspective of scientific inquiry and inference. Inference is an inverse problem and application of statistical methods cannot reveal whether effects…

A procedure is presented to transform an n-dimensional scatter diagram into a two-dimensional scatter diagram while preserving proximity relationships between points. This procedure can help in the presentation and interpretation of multivariate results. (Author/SLD)

A convention commonly used to describe interaction effects within moderated regression frameworks was examined through logical exposition and a Monte Carlo approach to simulate various moderator conditions. Results, which indicate that the convention may lead to incorrect inferences, are discussed in terms of interpreting moderator effects. (SLD)

Three dozen observations and recommendations concerning the activities of research consultants in the behavioral sciences are listed and discussed. These guidelines, some stated as aphorisms, are discussed in the categories of planning; implementation; analysis; interpretation; and reporting. (Author/SLD)