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Title: Simulation Tests of Methods in Evolution, Ecology, and Systematics: Pitfalls, Progress, and Principles
Complex statistical methods are continuously developed across the fields of ecology, evolution, and systematics (EES). These fields, however, lack standardized principles for evaluating methods, which has led to high variability in the rigor with which methods are tested, a lack of clarity regarding their limitations, and the potential for misapplication. In this review, we illustrate the common pitfalls of method evaluations in EES, the advantages of testing methods with simulated data, and best practices for method evaluations. We highlight the difference between method evaluation and validation and review how simulations, when appropriately designed, can refine the domain in which a method can be reliably applied. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of different evaluation metrics. The potential for misapplication of methods would be greatly reduced if funding agencies, reviewers, and journals required principled method evaluation. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, Volume 53 is November 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1655701 2043905 1655344
PAR ID:
10348276
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics
Volume:
53
Issue:
1
ISSN:
1543-592X
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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