Why statistical testing and confidence intervals should not be used in comparative life cycle assessments based on Monte Carlo simulations

Abstract

In the last years, it has been suggested to use statistical inferential methods, such as hypothesis testing or confidence intervals, to compare different products, services, or systems within comparative life cycle assessments based on Monte Carlo simulation results. However, the use of statistical inferential methods in such settings is fundamentally incorrect and should not be continued. In this article, we explain why and look closer at some related topics.