Description
Use estimate minus nullValue on an additive scale or log(estimate / nullValue) on a ratio scale.
An effect's direction depends on its null value, scale, and whether higher or lower outcomes are preferred. Ratio effects use a multiplicative rather than additive null comparison.
Use estimate minus nullValue on an additive scale or log(estimate / nullValue) on a ratio scale.
When to use this tool
Use Naturopathy Review Effect Direction Sign when you need to orient a supplied effect estimate consistently.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter estimate, nullValue, ratioScale, beneficialHigher. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read orientedDifference, beneficial, atNull. Inspect beneficial, atNull before interpreting the associated values.
Use estimate minus nullValue on an additive scale or log(estimate / nullValue) on a ratio scale. Reverse the sign when lower is beneficial; beneficial is strict positivity and atNull is exact equality.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| estimate | Estimate | Required. Finite number. |
| nullValue | Null Value | Required. Finite number. |
| ratioScale | Ratio Scale | Required. Boolean. |
| beneficialHigher | Beneficial Higher | Required. Boolean. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| orientedDifference | Oriented Difference | Required. Finite number. |
| beneficial | Beneficial | Required. Boolean. |
| atNull | At Null | Required. Boolean. |
{
"input": {
"estimate": 0.8,
"nullValue": 1,
"ratioScale": true,
"beneficialHigher": false
},
"output": {
"orientedDifference": 0.2231435513142097,
"beneficial": true,
"atNull": false
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Positive ratio-scale values are required; direction alone does not measure statistical significance, certainty, magnitude of benefit, or safety.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Consider confidence intervals, study quality, absolute effects, and relevant outcomes before interpreting benefit.
References
Similar or alternative tools
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