Discussion Board Post on P value

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 Discussion Board Post on P value

While doing the research, it is important to consider the margin of error and be sure that

the data you got is statistically significant. This is why it is important to consider p-value. When

the link between the parameters cannot be explained just by chance, a research is statistically

significant. This is why, as World Editors forum suggests, it is important to work out a strong

hypothesis before doing any research. Otherwise it is possible for anybody to cater data one

might have to any conclusion they want to push (WEF, 2019). Not only is it unethical, but

potentially harmful also. Scholars usually di it through gathering data until the results are

deemed valid. It is called p-hacking (Head et al, 2015). It can be used to spread misinformation

and push the desirable narrative. When it comes to business analysts, they might use it to trick

investors, use the manipulated results as a selling point or sway the public opinion. They can use

the data gathered from the good-performing period in the sales reports. It can be used anywhere,

from politics to the advertising and science.

One of the examples is the research on the global warming done by NASA. The

worldwide average temperature in 1998 was 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit, according to most

estimates. These are the numbers conformed NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The

worldwide mean temperature in 2012 was 58.2 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, opponents of

global warming contend that the 0.1-degree decline in global mean temperature during a 14-year

period disproves global warming. It is worth noting, however, that due to an extremely high El

Niño wind current, 1998 was among the warmest years on record. It's also worth mentioning

that, due to the high degree of unpredictability, temperatures are usually monitored over a 30-

year period. Taking that period into consideration, it can be seen that the global warming is

taking place. Overall, it is important to make sure that the research is statistically significant.
 Resources

Head, M. L., Holman, L., Lanfear, R., Kahn, A. T., & Jennions, M. D. (2015). The extent and
consequences of P-hacking in science. PLoS biology. Retrieved March 24, 2022, from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25768323/

World Editors Forum, (2019, April 11). Statistical P-hacking explained. World Editors Forum.
Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://scienceinthenewsroom.org/resources/statistical-p-
hacking-explained/