Abstract
This commentary reviews the arguments for and against the use of p-values put forward in the Journal and other forums, and shows that they are all missing both a measure and concept of 'evidence'. The mathematics and logic of evidential theory are presented, with the log-likelihood ratio used as the measure of evidence. The profoundly different philosophy behind evidential methods (as compared to traditional ones) is presented, as well as a comparative example showing the difference between the two approaches. The reasons why we mistakenly ascribe evidential meaning to p-values and related measures are discussed. Unfamiliarity with the technology and philosophy of evidence is seen as the main reason why certain arguments about p-values persist, and why they are frequently contradictory and confusing.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1568-1574 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | American Journal of Public Health |
| Volume | 78 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| State | Published - 1988 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health