Statistical Analysis: Theory Versus Practice

In this paper the gap between theory and practice in statistical analysis is investigated, with particular attention given to the Bayesian approach to statistical analysis. The primary concern is with statistical analysis in experimental psychology, although the paper has implications for all areas in which statistical methods are used. Current statistical practice in experimental psychology and various factors contributing to the theory-practice gap in statistical analysis are considered. Finally, some general questions involving scientific reporting and the use of Bayesian procedures in statistical inference are discussed.

[1]  Clifford Hildrethi.  BAYESIAN STATISTICIANS AND REMOTE CLIENTS , 1963 .

[2]  Robert Schlaifer,et al.  Computer programs for elementary decision analysis , 1971 .

[3]  D. Lindley,et al.  Bayes Estimates for the Linear Model , 1972 .

[4]  W. Edwards,et al.  TACTICAL NOTE ON THE RELATION BETWEEN SCIENTIFIC AND STATISTICAL HYPOTHESES. , 1965, Psychological bulletin.

[5]  John W. Pratt,et al.  Bayesian Interpretation of Standard Inference Statements , 1965 .

[6]  H. Raiffa,et al.  Applied Statistical Decision Theory. , 1961 .

[7]  G. Pitz.  An example of Bayesian hypothesis testing: The perception of rotary motion in depth. , 1968 .

[8]  W. Wilson,et al.  Much ado about the null hypothesis. , 1967, Psychological bulletin.

[9]  Gordon F. Pitz,et al.  An inertia effect (resistance to change) in the revision of opinion. , 1969 .

[10]  P. Meehl.  Theory-Testing in Psychology and Physics: A Methodological Paradox , 1967, Philosophy of Science.

[11]  Ward Edwards,et al.  Bayesian statistical inference for psychological research. , 1963 .

[12]  J. Dickey.  The Weighted Likelihood Ratio, Linear Hypotheses on Normal Location Parameters , 1971 .

[13]  James M. Dickey,et al.  Scientific Reporting and Personal Probabilities: Student's Hypothesis , 1973 .

[14]  D. Lindley.  A STATISTICAL PARADOX , 1957 .

[15]  D. Bakan,et al.  The test of significance in psychological research. , 1966, Psychological bulletin.

[16]  L D Phillips,et al.  Subjective propabilities inferred from estimates and bets. , 1967, Journal of experimental psychology.

[17]  A. Zellner.  An Introduction to Bayesian Inference in Econometrics , 1971 .

[18]  Melvin R. Novick,et al.  Bayesian Computer-Assisted Data Analysis. , 1971 .