The p-value case, a review of the debate: Issues and plausible remedies

Abstract

We review the recent debate on the lack of reliability of scientific results and its connections to the statistical methodologies at the core of the discovery paradigm. Null hypotheses statistical testing, in particular, has often been related to, if not blamed for, the present situation. We argue that a loose relation exists: although NHST, if properly used, could not be seen as a cause, some common misuses may mask or even favour bad practices leading to the lack of reliability. We discuss various proposals which have been put forward to deal with these issues.