Bayesian and frequentist models: legitimate choices for different purposes of clinical research.
OBJECTIVE
Bayesian and frequentist approaches to statistical modelling in epidemiology are often pitted against each other as if they represented diametrically opposing philosophies. However, both approaches have a role to play in clinical epidemiology and the evaluation of clinical practice.


METHODS
Here I present an overview of the philosophical underpinnings of the Bayesian and frequentist approaches, showing that each model has its place depending on the philosophical and evaluative needs of the user.


RESULTS
If the user's approach to a clinical problem places an emphasis on identifying causal relationships, a frequentist approach might be best suited. On the other hand, if the user takes an approach in which estimating a priori probabilities is appropriate, a Bayesian approach might be more appropriate. One could imagine both approaches used for the same study.


CONCLUSIONS
Bayesian and frequentist approaches are complementary tools in the clinical evaluator's toolkit.
Berger
Zackary
Z
Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. zberger1@jhmi.edu
D001499:Bayes Theorem; D035843:Biomedical Research; D002755:Choice Behavior; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical