ON CONFIRMATORY VERSUS EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

We discuss the difference between data that are gathered to test a pri ori alternative hypotheses (confirmatory research) and those gathered to determine whether any interesting a posteriori hypotheses might be generated from the data set (exploratory. research). Confirmatory stud ies should be designed so as to minimize type I statistical errors whi le exploratory studies should be designed to minimize type II errors, which may require different approaches to statistical analyses. We sug gest that authors clearly state whether they are reporting confirmator y or exploratory research in manuscripts, especially, for experimental studies, because evaluations by referees and leaders often hinge on s uch a distinction.