Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence – and that affects what scientific journals choose to publish

Careful planning and analysis are part of trying to reduce the chance of a false-positive finding. Arnon Mungyodklang/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Should you believe the findings of scientific studies? Amid current concerns about the public’s trust in science, old arguments are resurfacing that can sow confusion.

As a statistician involved in research for many years, I know the care that goes into designing a good study capable of coming up with meaningful results. Understanding what the results of a particular study are and are not saying can help you sift through what you see in the news or on social media.