Statistics as rhetoric in psychology
- 1 November 1992
- journal article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Australian Psychologist
- Vol. 27 (3), 144-149
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00050069208257601
Abstract
The confusion and misunderstanding of inferential statistics found amongst a class of exiting third‐year psychology students is shown to parallel similar reported misunderstandings amongst the wider psychological community. The history of inferential statistics and of their institutionalisation within psychology is briefly described, and some suggested reasons for these developments are discussed. It is argued, supported by illustrative examples, mat the rhetorical association of statistical inference with scientific method serves to assert and maintain epistemic authority in psychology.Keywords
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