While p-values have been the traditional measure of statistical significance in scientific research, they often fail to capture the complexity of statistical evidence. Fragility metrics such as the robustness index and percent fragility index offer a more nuanced approach to evaluating the strength of research findings. By quantifying the impact of small changes in data on statistical significance, these indices provide a valuable complement to p-values. Incorporating fragility metrics into research practices can be seen as a step toward a more responsible form of data-driven decision-making that recognizes the conditional nature of statistical evidence.
Citation: Heston TF. Redefining significance: robustness and percent fragility indices in biomedical research. Stats. 2024;7(2):537-48. https://doi.org/10.3390/stats7020033