Researchers often invoke stepwise ordinary least squares regression to explain, predict or classify practical problems or theoretical constructs in psychological and social research. Unfortunately, this statistical technique is used without proper consideration for its inherent theoretical and practical limitations, a problem expected to grow even more serious with the proliferation of statistical packages for use on personal computers. Use of stepwise regression in social and psychological research is reconsidered here. Explanations of forward selection, backward elimination and combination stepwise procedures are provided; limitations of the technique, statistical and practical, are then addressed. Analysis shows that most of the current applications of stepwise regression should be rejected, or at least tempered with strong qualification to inference.

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Selecting a business location is among the most important strategic decisions for family firms. Yet the separate demands of the family and the business often prove difficult to balance. A comparison of location preferences in family and nonfamily firms provides insight into the family influence on strategic decision making.

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