title: In Defense ofPValues.
abstract: P values have become the scapegoat for a wide variety of problems in science. P values are generally over-emphasized, often incorrectly applied, and in some cases even abused. However, alternative methods of hypothesis testing will likely fall victim to the same criticisms currently leveled at P values if more fundamental changes are not made in the research process. Increasing the general level of statistical literacy and enhancing training in statistical methods provide a potential avenue for identifying, correcting, and preventing erroneous conclusions from entering the academic literature and for improving the general quality of patient care.
authors.affiliation: Research associate in statistical genetics at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics in the Department of Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
authors.forename: Brad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Verhulst
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D005791:Patient Care; D013223:Statistics as Topic
keywords: P values; P-hacking; statistics