Statistical analysis: Summarizing evidence versus establishing facts. |
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Authors: | Rosenthal, Robert Rubin, Donald B. |
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Abstract: | Comments on the contention of T. A. Ryan (see record 1985-21808-001) that the purpose of statistics is to establish new facts that will contribute to the development of theory. It is argued that the primary role of statistical analysis is summarizing the current state of knowledge about scientific questions under study. The present authors do not share the following views expressed by Ryan: (1) Nonsignificant results should not be published; (2) the importance of Type II errors has been overemphasized relative to Type I; and (3) avoiding consideration of importance and interest in the weighting of contrasts is possible. The reasons for the disagreements are discussed. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
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