Understanding significance and p-values

Authors

  • Shrikant I Bangdiwala Professor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/nje.v6i1.14732

Keywords:

p value, significance, American Statistical Association

Abstract

Correction 7th May 2016: p.523, Column 1, second paragraph, line 10 - 'the quantiles at the extremes - say 5%, 1%, which were useful' was changed TO 'the quantiles at the extremes - say 10%, 5%, 2%, and 1%, which were useful'.
p.523, Column 2, second paragraph, line 3 - 'this is misconstrued with 'statistical significance' changed TO 'mistaken with 'statistical significance'.

Since the p-value is a single index, following the ASA’s statement, we strongly support that it cannot and should not be considered as the sole basis for scientific reasoning. Given the misuses and misconceptions concerning p-values, the recommendation is to present the estimate of the effect, provide a measure of uncertainty of the estimation (e.g. confidence interval), and interpret the results in terms of scientific importance. 

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Author Biography

Shrikant I Bangdiwala, Professor

Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA

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Published

2016-03-31

How to Cite

Bangdiwala, S. I. (2016). Understanding significance and p-values. Nepal Journal of Epidemiology, 6(1), 522–24. https://doi.org/10.3126/nje.v6i1.14732

Issue

Section

Editorial