Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-g8jcs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-28T13:49:03.104Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Evolving null hypotheses and the base rate fallacy: A functional interpretation of scientific myth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 1997

Brian J. Gibbs
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5015 [email protected]

Abstract

The meaning of an experimental result depends on the experiment's conceptual backdrop, particularly its null hypothesis. This observation provides the basis for a functional interpretation of belief in the base rate fallacy. On this interpretation, if the base rate fallacy is to be labelled a “myth,” then it should be recognized that this label is not necessarily a disparaging one.

Type
Continuing Commentary
Copyright
© 1997 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)