Citation

Ashton JC. Br. J. Pharmacol. 2012; 167(6): 1392.

Affiliation

Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02135.x

PMID

22889090

Abstract

Statistics is a powerful tool, but like all tools in science it is a tool for criticism not for confirmation. The view of statistics as a tool for confirmation leads to practices in science that may limit opportunities for discovery. Discoveries are often made when new methods are used, and new methods are always conjectural and often difficult to fit into the statistical model of experimentation. Some forms of statistical advice may inadvertently reduce researchers' willingness to engage in such risky science, and contribute to declining rates of innovation and discovery. © 2012 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology © 2012 The British Pharmacological Society.

Language: en