Moderated Regression: Legitimate Disagreement, Confusion and Misunderstanding

There has recently been some confusion in the literature on the appropriate techniques for assessing contingent relationships. Darrow and Kahl (1982) and Wise et. al. (1984) have recently engaged in a heated debate about the appropriateness of hierarchical regression. In this paper we highlight the disagreements between the two groups; assess the respective positions, on the whole, we tilt toward the views expressed by Wise et. al. (1984); finally we point to the valid results presented by Darrow and Kahl (1982) and discuss their importance for the design and interpretation of future research.