Understanding Bayesian Statistics: Frequently Asked Questions and Recommended Resources

There is a growing understanding that there are some inherent limitations in using p-values to guide decisions about programs and policies. Bayesian methods are emerging as the primary alternative to p-values and offer a number of advantages over the traditional frequentist framework. However, many researchers are not yet familiar with the concepts underlying Bayesian methods and how they differ from frequentist methods. This brief offers researchers short answers to four common questions about Bayesian methods, along with a curated list of resources (including journal articles, book chapters, online courses, and blogs) for further reading.