What Future Quantitative Social Science Research Could Look Like: Confidence Intervals for Effect Sizes

Abstract

An improved quantitative science would emphasize the use of confidence intervals (CIs), and especially CIs for effect sizes. This article reviews some definitions and issues related to developing these intervals. Confidence intervals for effect sizes are especially valuable because they facilitate meta-analytic thinking and the interpretation of intervals via comparison with the effect intervals from related prior studies. Several recommendations for the thoughtful use of such CIs are presented.