On "Confirmatory" Methodological Research in Statistics and Related Fields.

ABSTRACT: Empirical substantive research, such as in the life or social sciences, is commonly categorized into the two modes exploratory and confirmatory, both of which are essential to scientific progress. The former is also referred to as hypothesis-generating or data-contingent research, while the latter is also called hypothesis-testing research. In the context of empirical methodological research in statistics, however, the exploratory-confirmatory distinction has received very little attention so far. Our paper aims to fill this gap. First, we revisit the concept of empirical methodological research through the lens of the exploratory-confirmatory distinction. Second, we examine current practice with respect to this distinction through a literature survey including 115 articles from the field

SUBMITTER: Lange FJD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12600059 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature