What is statistical artefact explanation?

A statistical artefact is an inference that results from bias in the collection or manipulation of data. The implication is that the findings do not reflect the real world but are, rather, an unintended consequence of measurement error.

What is the artifact approach?

Artefact explanations seek to account for inequalities in health as a construct of the measurement process. The Black Report believed that the artefact explanation was relatively unimportant in accounting for the persistence of class inequalities in health.

What is this an explanation of according to the Black Report?

Findings of the report Inequalities in health: report of a research working group (also known as the ‘Black report’) was published in August 1980. The group found that there were differences in mortality rates across the social groups, with those in lower social groups suffering higher rates of mortality.

What did the Black report say about artefact explanations?

The Black Report believed that the artefact explanation was relatively unimportant in accounting for the persistence of class inequalities in health. This paper reviews the evidence on artefac … Artefact explanations seek to account for inequalities in health as a construct of the measurement process.

When is the power of the artefact explanation demonstrated?

The power of the artefact explanation is then shown to be rather limited when it is demonstrated that class gradients persist when one compares mortality rates for each age group separately (Black 1980:187). The only further mention of the artefact explanation is a passing reference to the failure to explain

How is artefact related to morbidity and mortality?

One Artefact explanation suggested for the differences in Morbidity and Mortality between males and females. Explanations of differences between men and women are often based on self-reports, which involve individuals assessing their own levels of illness.

Why are artefact explanations of inequalities in health important?

Artefact explanations of inequalities in health: an assessment of the evidence Artefact explanations seek to account for inequalities in health as a construct of the measurement process. The Black Report believed that the artefact explanation was relatively unimportant in accounting for the persistence of class inequalities in health.