Potential Problems in the Statistical Control of Variables in Organizational Research: A Qualitative Analysis With Recommendations

TLDR

The study reviewed 60 articles from four leading journals (2000‑2002) to assess how authors justify control variables, describe measures and methods, and report results. The review identified problems such as missing justifications for control variables, unclear measures and methods, incomplete reporting, and other flaws, and it discussed implications for interpretation, replication, and effect sizes while offering twelve recommendations.

Abstract

The author examines statistical control in a random sample of 60 articles published in four top journals during 2000 to 2002. Authors’bases for including control variables, clarity regarding measures and methods, and reporting of results were recorded. Potential problems included a lack of explanations for inclusion, unclear descriptions of measures and methods, incomplete reporting, and other flaws. Implications for interpreting results, replication, future reviews, and effect sizes are discussed. Twelve recommendations for addressing these issues are offered.