Sample Fragmentation (Kill-Switch)

A manipulative statistical practice where a researcher splits a dataset into very small subgroups (or isolates a single case) until no comparison achieves statistical significance, then reports that “no effect was found.” The fragmentation acts as a kill‑switch: by reducing sample size to near zero, any real effect becomes undetectable. This tactic is often hidden behind legitimate concerns about confounding, but when applied selectively, it ensures that any inconvenient finding can be made to disappear. It’s a favorite of litigation consultants and industry apologists.

Sample Fragmentation (Kill-Switch) Example: “He divided the adverse event data by hospital, shift, and day of week – sample fragmentation, ensuring no group was large enough to show a problem.”

Sample Fragmentation (Kill-Switch) by Dumu The Void April 25, 2026