Cited by 65Statistical Methods and ApplicationsComputational and Text Analysis MethodsStatistical Methods and Bayesian Inference

Alchemy in the behavioral sciences

Einhorn, Hillel J.·1972·Public Opinion Quarterly

Abstract

Access to powerful new computers has encouraged routine use of highly complex analytic techniques, often in the absence of any theory, hypotheses, or model to guide the researcher's expectations of results. The author examines the potential of such techniques for generating spurious results, and urges that in exploratory work the outcome be subjected to a more rigorous criterion than the usual tests of statistical significance.

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Crossref · 10.1086/268019

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  • Einhorn concluded that the modern researcher cannot rely on the computer to turn data into meaningful and valuable scientific information.

    “Einhorn (1972) concluded, 'Just as the alchemists were not successful in turning base metal into gold, the modern researcher cannot rely on the 'computer' to turn his data into meaningful and valuable scientific information.'”

    From Illusions in Regression Analysis (2011) · cites this paper as Einhorn (1972)

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Authors
Einhorn, H. J.
Affiliations
University of Chicago (US)
Corresponding author
Einhorn, Hillel J.
Venue
Public Opinion Quarterly
Published
1972
Volume
36
Issue
3
Pages
367
ISSN
0033-362X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2011577343
Cited by
65
References
0
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 2
FWCI
2.77
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Public Opinion Quarterly (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Statistics and Probability › Statistical Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › General Social Sciences › Computational and Text Analysis Methods
  • Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Statistics and Probability › Statistical Methods and Bayesian Inference
Keywords
exploratory analysis, spurious results, statistical significance testing, hypothesis testing, behavioral research methodology

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