Methodological abuse refers to the misuse, distortion, or unjustified application of scientific methods, tools, or statistical techniques in a way that undermines the validity or integrity of a study.

• Applying a technique beyond its validated scope (e.g., using tractography to “map” cranial nerves without resolution to support it).
• Ignoring fundamental assumptions of the method (e.g., statistical independence, normality, spatial resolution).
• Selecting or combining methods to produce desired results rather than to answer the scientific question.
• Using tools without appropriate controls or benchmarks.
• Over-interpreting exploratory findings as confirmatory.

• Produces unreliable or misleading conclusions.
• May inflate the perceived novelty or impact of the study.
• Undermines scientific reproducibility and transparency.
• Contributes to the erosion of public trust in scientific findings.