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    From significance to divergence: guiding statistical interpretation through language

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    Main article (1004.Kb)
    Date
    2025-04-28
    Author
    Zar, Lubna
    Abdulmajeed, Jazeel
    Elshoeibi, Amgad
    Syed, Asma
    Awaisu, Ahmed
    Glasziou, Paul
    Doi, Suhail A.
    Research Network Group, MCPHR
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    Abstract
    Purpose of review P values have long been central to medical research reporting, with the term ‘‘statistical significance’’ and a P value threshold of 0.05 being in common use since 1925. Despite a century of use, P values remain a topic of significant controversy and debate, particularly regarding their proper application and frequent misinterpretation. Much of this confusion stems from adoption of the everyday words ‘‘significance’’ and ‘‘confidence’’ as a label for the statistical concepts that are only loosely connected to their common meaning, subsequently exposing such misleading labels to a wide audience unaware of the disconnect. Recent findings To resolve this ambiguity, we take a look at the existing literature, conclude that this is a language issue and propose replacing ‘‘significance’’ with ‘‘divergence’’ to highlight the data’s divergence from the hypothesized null model. In addition, we propose renaming the ‘‘1-α% confidence interval’’ to ‘1-α% uncertainty interval’’ which would more accurately convey its role in representing uncertainty about the possible data-generating models for the observed data. Summary The revised terminology will help researchers and readers better understand P values and uncertainty intervals, aims to reduce reporting bias (especially for nondivergent results), and will temper unrealistic replicability expectations. It would also minimize misinterpretation and over-interpretation, promoting a clearer, more nuanced understanding of their use in statistical reporting while addressing ongoing misuse controversies.
    DOI/handle
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/PXH.0000000000000050
    http://hdl.handle.net/10576/64607
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    • Medicine Research [‎1762‎ items ]
    • Pharmacy Research [‎1401‎ items ]

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