Introduction: Statistical and Methodological Myths and Urban Legends: Where, Pray Tell, Did They Get This Idea?

Abstract

Although a kernel of truth or appropriateness underlies each one, numerous methodological and statistical criteria have been stretched beyond that kernel and have evolved into myths and urban legends. They are truly legends in that those applying it were told it was so and have thus accepted it and perpetuated it themselves in interactions with others. This is particularly prevalent in the manuscript development and review processes in which the mythical aspects of those criteria are applied. The end result is a degradation of the research process. The feature topic's purpose is to uncover the kernel of truth underlying the mythical nature of alternative model testing, cutoff values for certain criteria, common method bias, and mediation test. It is developmental in nature in that the desired result is to end the legendary application of those criteria and return to applying them in their intended manner.