The moralistic fallacy in a selective critique of admixture regression: Commentary on Bird et al. (2024).

Abstract

Bird et al. (2024) propose an effective ban on admixture regression research that uses cognitive test scores as the dependent variable. Their core argument is moral and political, but they also offer a scientific critique of the methodology. Many highly regarded admixture regression studies examining a wide range of medical and psychological traits fall within their scientific critique, despite a lack of moral or political salience. Rejecting the scientific legitimacy of admixture regression analysis if the dependent variable is politically sensitive but accepting it if the dependent variable is politically painless may entail the moralistic fallacy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).