Unwarranted publications?

Authors: Macmillan KL
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 25, Issue 11, pp 355, Nov 1977
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Veterinary profession
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: We wish to reply to Mr Webster`s criticism of our paper. In considering that its publication was unwarranted Mr Webster brought up a number of points. From this it appears that he has misunderstood parts of the paper. Statistical analysis cannot determine whether an observed effect is real or due to chance. It can only indicate the probability of a conclusion being valid. If an effect is not significant at a particular level of probability it cannot be concluded that no effect exists. A further investigation, conducted by one of the authors (K.H.C.L.), was therefore considered to be justified because of widespread interest in the possible effect of thiabendazole on ewe fertility…

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