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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Environmental Geosciences (DEG)

Abstract


AAPG Division of Environmental Geosciences Journal
Vol. 4 (1997), No. 3., Pages 149-152

Pitfalls in Statistics for Environmental Sampling Evaluation

Yue Rong

Abstract

Statistics has been increasingly used in many environmental fields. This paper evaluates two commonly used statistical methods as recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The first one is the use of t -distribution to determine minimum sample size; the second is the test of proportions for analyzing a large number of nondetected sample results. Demonstrated by case studies, this paper pinpoints pitfalls associated with these two methods. To avoid unrealistic conclusions based on statistics, we should understand mathematics of the selected statistical method and site-specific information while applying the method.


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