| Abstract: |
Some of the statistical issues that arise in searches for new phenomena are discussed. These include trying to distinguish discoveries from statistical fluctuations; the meaning of exclusion of new phenomena; the 'Look Elsewhere Effect'; how significant should a discovery be?; etc. This talk is an introduction to the Conference at SLAC on "Progress on Statistical Issues in Searches", on June 4th to 6th (see http://www-conf.slac.stanford.edu/statisticalissues2012/ ). It should be of interest to participants in the Conference, and to anyone involved in searches for novel effects.
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