Effect size in papers published by the Journal of Forestry Research: A missing treasure?

Abstract

P values based on standard hypothesis testing are commonly reported in articles published by the Journal of Forestry Research (JFR). However, effect sizes are barely used and reported, even if they are of direct relevance to the primary questions of many of the published studies. The incorporation of effect sizes in studies published by JFR should be encouraged and promoted. Inclusion of effect sizes as a requirement in the journal guidelines will facilitate a major change in the way data are tested and interpreted, with the ultimate goal to exempt researchers from the custom of drawing conclusions merely based upon a dichotomous statistical result (P value). Such a policy can also lead to more informed decisions of whether identified effects are of practical relevance to the forestry.

Keywords

Effect magnitude / Null hypothesis significance testing / P value / Science communication / Scientific writing