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Multiple comparisons problem
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Statistics/DNPsKGYU">statistics</a>, the multiple comparisons, multiplicity or multiple testing problem occurs when one considers a set of <a href="/facts/Statistical_inference/sJLjubxm">statistical inferences</a> simultaneously or <a href="/facts/Estimation_theory/4nbgFDec">estimates</a> a subset of parameters selected based on the observed values. </p><p>The larger the number of inferences made, the more likely erroneous inferences become. Several statistical techniques have been developed to address this problem, for example, by requiring a <a href="/facts/Bonferroni_correction/br48S6qq">stricter significance threshold</a> for individual comparisons, so as to compensate for the number of inferences being made. Methods for <a href="/facts/Family-wise_error_rate/uXA5VVgH">family-wise error rate</a> give the probability of false positives resulting from the multiple comparisons problem. </p>