Presentation of search results: The $CL_s$ technique

I describe a framework for the presentation of search results which is motivated by frequentist statistics. The most well-known use of this framework is for the combined search for the Higgs boson at LEP. A toy neutrino oscillations experiment is used to illustrate the rich information available in the framework for exclusion and discovery. I argue that the so-calledCLstechnique for setting limits is appropriate for determining exclusion intervals while the determination of confidence intervals advocated by Feldman and Cousins' method is more appropriate for treating established signals, i.e. going beyond discovery to measurement.(From the workshop 'Advanced Statistical Techniques in Particle Physics', 18?22 March 2002)

talk: Durham 2002/03/18
statistical analysis
confidence limit
electron positron: annihilation
Higgs particle: electroproduction
neutrino: oscillation
numerical calculations: interpretation of experiments

References(17)

Figures(0)

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Presentation of search results: The CLsCL_sCLs​ technique

Citations per year

A Unified approach to the classical statistical analysis of small signals

Workshop on confidence limits, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 Jan 2000: Proceedings

Upper Limit of Peak Area

On the determination of a mass lower limit for the Higgs boson in the presence of candidate events

Optimally combined confidence limits

Workshop on confidence limits, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, 17-18 Jan 2000: Proceedings

Search for the standard model Higgs boson at LEP

Presentation of search results: The $CL_s$ technique