A trainee data analyst for a large social media company, which has falling site usage, has just completed a study into factors that affect site users' satisfaction levels. However, he finds only one statistically significant factor, which he includes in his report but he deliberately, omits the other six non-significant findings. What is the term for what the data analyst has done?
A) Meta analysis
B) HARKing
C) p-hacking
D) Bayesian analysis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data analyst has engaged in a practice known as p-hacking or "fishing," which involves conducting multiple tests or analyses until a significant result is found, and then selectively reporting that finding while ignoring the other non-significant results. This can lead to false positives and inflated significance levels, and is generally considered a form of research misconduct. HARKing (Hypothesizing After Results are Known) refers to the practice of presenting post-hoc hypotheses as if they were pre-planned, which can also be a form of misconduct. Meta analysis and Bayesian analysis are not directly relevant to this scenario.

A Trainee Data Analyst for a Large Social Media Company