Alternative to the application of PDG scale factors
arXiv:2004.01219 · doi:10.1140/epjc/s10052-020-8115-3
Abstract
The Particle Data Group recommends a set of procedures to be applied when discrepant data are to be combined. We introduce an alternative method based on a more general and solid statistical framework, providing a robust way to include possible unknown systematic effects interfering with experimental measurements or their theoretical interpretation. The limit of large data sets and practical cases of interest are discussed in detail.
9 pages, 9 figures; final version corresponding to journal publication