Variability Matters

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Sören Möller¹  LindaJuel Ahrenfeldt²  MaartenJan Wensink² 

[1] Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwsvej 9B, 5000 Odense, Denmark;Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwsvej 9B, 5000 Odense, Denmark;

关键词: inequality;    statistical inference;    forecasting;    lifespan;    socioeconomic status;    academic performance;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph18010157

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Much of science, including public health research, focuses on means (averages). The purpose of the present paper is to reinforce the idea that variability matters just as well. At the hand of four examples, we highlight four classes of situations where the conclusion drawn on the basis of the mean alone is qualitatively altered when variability is also considered. We suggest that some of the more serendipitous results have their origin in variability.

【 授权许可】

Unknown