Finding nothing is finding something

Finding nothing is finding something
Study rationale is rarely conceived in a vacuum. Temptation exists to overprescribe meaning when little exists. ‘Look at these data and find nothing’ seems wry as study advice. But doing so may protect against conclusions based on selection bias, misclassifications, omitted variables, and limited power. Often truth is revealed only from multiple studies and re-hypothesizing, with single studies raising more questions than answered. As with any precept, the pendulum can swing too far in the opposite direction. Ignoring strongly suggestive evidence may cause harm. Above all, contribute to understanding.