This research uses random networks as benchmarks for inferential tests of network structures. Specifically, we develop formulas for expected values and confidence intervals for four frequently employed social network centrality indices. The first study begins with analyses of stylized networks,...

Among the many centrality indices used to detect structures of actors’ positions in networks is the use of the first eigenvector of an adjacency matrix that captures the connections among the actors. This research considers the seeming pervasive current practice of using only the first...

Social networks are currently extremely popular, and social networks models are useful in studying network phenomena. This paper describes models that are flexible in form, applicable to binary, categorical, or ordered data, reflecting a single relation among actors or multivariate or...

Some behavioral researchers occasionally wish to conduct a median split on a continuous variable and use the result in subsequent modeling to facilitate analytic ease and communication clarity. Traditionally, this practice of dichotomization has been criticized for the resulting loss of...

In this rebuttal, we discuss the comments of Rucker, McShane, & Preacher (2015) and McClelland, Lynch, Irwin, Spiller, & Fitzsimons (2015). Both commentaries raise interesting points, and although both teams clearly put a lot of work into their papers, the bottom line is this: our research sets...

In this article, we attempt to clarify our statements regarding the effects of mean centering. In a multiple regression with predictors A, B, and A × B (where A × B serves as an interaction term), mean centering A and B prior to computing the product term can clarify the regression...

There seems to be confusion among researchers regarding whether it is good practice to center variables at their means prior to calculating a product term to estimate an interaction in a multiple regression model. Many researchers use mean centered variables because they believe it’s the thing...

Decision theory offers a formal approach to decision making, which is often viewed and taught as the rational way to approach managerial decisions. Half a century ago it generated high hopes of capturing and perhaps replacing intuition, and providing the “right” answer in practically all...

Wish lists and other purchase delay devices have benefits for consumers and online retailers alike, but they also have some potential drawbacks. We show that wish lists are less likely to result in an eventual purchase. This is due to the way consumers consider product attributes differently...