Abstract

BADENES-RIBERA, Laura  and  FRIAS NAVARRO, Maria Dolores. Fallacies about p-Value Shared by Professors and University Students. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2017, vol.16, n.3, pp.48-57. ISSN 1657-9267.  https://doi.org/10.11144/javeriana.upsy16-3.fvcp.

The "Evidence Based Practice" requires professionals to critically assess the results of psychological research. However, incorrect interpretations of p values of probability are abundant and repetitive. These misconceptions may affect professional decisions and compromise the quality of interventions and the accumulation of a valid scientific knowledge. Therefore, identifying the types of fallacies that underlying statistical decisions is fundamental for approaching and planning statistical education strategies designed to intervene in incorrect interpretations. Consequently, the aim of this study is to analyze the interpretation of p value among university students of psychology and academic psychologists. The sample was composed of 161 participants (43 academics and 118 students). The mean number of years as academic was 16.7 (SD = 10.07). The mean age of university students was 21.59 years (SD = 1.3). The findings suggest that college students and academics do not know the correct interpretation of p values. The inverse probability fallacy presented major problems of comprehension. In addition, the participants confused statistical significance and practical significance or clinical or the findings. There is a need for statistical education and statistical re-education.

Keywords : evidence-based practice; misconception; p value; statistical education.

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