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Can p-values be meaningfully interpreted without random sampling?

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  • Hirschauer, Norbert
  • Gruener, Sven
  • Mußhoff, Oliver
  • Becker, Claudia
  • Jantsch, Antje

Abstract

Besides the inferential errors that abound in the interpretation of p-values, the probabilistic pre-conditions (i.e. random sampling or equivalent) for using them at all are not often met by observa-tional studies in the social sciences. This paper systematizes different sampling designs and discusses the restrictive requirements of data collection that are the sine-qua-non for using p-values.

Suggested Citation

  • Hirschauer, Norbert & Gruener, Sven & Mußhoff, Oliver & Becker, Claudia & Jantsch, Antje, 2019. "Can p-values be meaningfully interpreted without random sampling?," SocArXiv yazr8_v1, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:yazr8_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/yazr8_v1
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