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Inferential Statistics: Criticised by Sidman (1960), but Popular in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2012

T. Mary Foster*
Affiliation:
The University of Waikato
Kimberly Jarema
Affiliation:
Western Michigan University
Alan Poling
Affiliation:
Western Michigan University
*
*Address for correspondence: T. Mary Foster, Psychology Department, The University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

There are many criticisms of the use of inferential statistics in behavioural research, including those made by Sidman (1960). This paper reports the frequency of use of inferential statistics in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior in every fifth year from 1960. The usage is apparently growing. It is argued that is it time to return to appropriate experimental control.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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