🗯️ Unjustified Enthusiasm
Unjustified enthusiasm refers to:
The expression of confidence, optimism, or promotional conclusions in scientific writing or presentations that are not adequately supported by the data, methodology, or strength of evidence provided.
🧠 In clinical research, it typically involves: Overstating results from low-quality studies (e.g., retrospective, underpowered, non-randomized)
Drawing causal inferences from associative or observational data
Using language of endorsement (“supports its widespread adoption”, “proves superiority”) without rigorous validation
Ignoring limitations, biases, or confounders that weaken the conclusion
Promoting a surgical technique, drug, or device as effective or transformative prematurely
🔍 Example from literature: A retrospective study showing reduced postoperative pain with Technique A concludes:
“These results confirm the superiority of Technique A and justify its routine use.”
→ That is unjustified enthusiasm — because confirmation and clinical endorsement require prospective trials, reproducibility, and external validation.