This paper describes a few factors that have contributed to the lack of theories emerging from quantitative research into suicide. Factors explored include inadequate statistical techniques, research variety, lack of validity, & lack of effect size consideration. It is argued that a better understanding of suicidal behavior will not be gained until variations in methodology are removed, what is actually being studied & how it is measured are clarified, & researchers become aware of the pitfalls in statistical interpretation. (8 refs)