Statistical significance, path dependency, and the culture of journal publication

TY - JOUR

T1 - Statistical significance, path dependency, and the culture of journal publication

AU - Altman, Morris

PY - 2004/11

Y1 - 2004/11

N2 - A brief introduction to the misuse and abuse of tests of statistical significance is presented. This is followed by an analysis of why such an inappropriate socially sub-optimal and inefficient practice can persist over time in the face of a multiplicity of competing peer-reviewed journals. It is argued that this practice is path dependent and represents a market failure often resulting in misleading research findings and misguided public policy. This can only be corrected by changes to institutional parameters related to publication.

AB - A brief introduction to the misuse and abuse of tests of statistical significance is presented. This is followed by an analysis of why such an inappropriate socially sub-optimal and inefficient practice can persist over time in the face of a multiplicity of competing peer-reviewed journals. It is argued that this practice is path dependent and represents a market failure often resulting in misleading research findings and misguided public policy. This can only be corrected by changes to institutional parameters related to publication.

KW - Institutional parameters

KW - Path dependency

KW - Peer-reviewed journals

KW - Statistical significance

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/10144238518

U2 - 10.1016/j.socec.2004.09.037

DO - 10.1016/j.socec.2004.09.037

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:10144238518

SN - 1053-5357

VL - 33

SP - 651

EP - 663

JO - Journal of Socio-Economics

JF - Journal of Socio-Economics

IS - 5

ER -