n summary we have demonstrated that use of stepwise multiple regression is widespread within ecology and some areas of behavioural science. We have outlined the three main weaknesses of this technique (namely: bias in parameter estimation, inconsistencies among model selection algorithms, and an inappropriate focus or reliance on a single best model) and shown how erroneous conclusions can be drawn with a worked example. We suggest that use of stepwise multiple regression is bad practice. Ecologists and behavioural scientists should make use of alternative (e.g. IT) methods or, where appropriate, should fit a full model (i.e. one containing all predictors). Full (or global) models are unlikely to be well-suited for prediction, however, and we recommend multimodel averaging techniques where prediction is the desired end.