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Variability Matters

Author

Listed:
  • Maarten Jan Wensink

    (Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwsvej 9B, 5000 Odense, Denmark)

  • Linda Juel Ahrenfeldt

    (Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwsvej 9B, 5000 Odense, Denmark)

  • Sören Möller

    (Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwsvej 9B, 5000 Odense, Denmark)

Abstract

Much of science, including public health research, focuses on means (averages). The purpose of the present paper is to reinforce the idea that variability matters just as well. At the hand of four examples, we highlight four classes of situations where the conclusion drawn on the basis of the mean alone is qualitatively altered when variability is also considered. We suggest that some of the more serendipitous results have their origin in variability.

Suggested Citation

  • Maarten Jan Wensink & Linda Juel Ahrenfeldt & Sören Möller, 2020. "Variability Matters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2020:i:1:p:157-:d:469382
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. J. O. Lloyd-Smith & S. J. Schreiber & P. E. Kopp & W. M. Getz, 2005. "Superspreading and the effect of individual variation on disease emergence," Nature, Nature, vol. 438(7066), pages 355-359, November.
    2. Prashant Bharadwaj & Giacomo De Giorgi & David Hansen & Christopher Neilson, 2012. "The Gender Gap in Mathematics: Evidence from Low- and Middle-Income Countries," NBER Working Papers 18464, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Gijsbert Stoet & David C Geary, 2013. "Sex Differences in Mathematics and Reading Achievement Are Inversely Related: Within- and Across-Nation Assessment of 10 Years of PISA Data," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(3), pages 1-10, March.
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