Values between 1 and 3 in Bayes factor interpretation are described as which of the following?

Values between 1 and 3 in Bayes factor interpretation are described as which of the following?

• A. Values between 1 and 3 are considered evidence for the alternative hypothesis that is barely worth mentioning.
• B. Values between 1 and 3 are strong evidence for the null.
• C. Values between 1 and 3 indicate decisive evidence for the alternative.
• D. Values between 1 and 3 indicate no evidence.

Answer: (A)

In Bayes factor interpretation, the strength of evidence is read from how far the factor is from 1, with values above 1 favoring the alternative and values below 1 favoring the null. When the Bayes factor falls between 1 and 3, the data provide only weak or anecdotal support for the alternative, not strong or definitive evidence. That’s why this range is described as evidence for the alternative that is barely worth mentioning. It means the alternative is somewhat more likely than the null, but the increase in likelihood is modest. The other descriptors correspond to larger values: moderate support typically starts around 3 to 10, strong around 10 to 30, and decisive well above 100. So a Bayes factor in the 1–3 range doesn’t fit those stronger categories, it’s the weakest end of the scale.

In Bayes factor interpretation, the strength of evidence is read from how far the factor is from 1, with values above 1 favoring the alternative and values below 1 favoring the null. When the Bayes factor falls between 1 and 3, the data provide only weak or anecdotal support for the alternative, not strong or definitive evidence. That’s why this range is described as evidence for the alternative that is barely worth mentioning. It means the alternative is somewhat more likely than the null, but the increase in likelihood is modest.

The other descriptors correspond to larger values: moderate support typically starts around 3 to 10, strong around 10 to 30, and decisive well above 100. So a Bayes factor in the 1–3 range doesn’t fit those stronger categories, it’s the weakest end of the scale.