Bonferroni Correction Calculator

Adjust significance levels for multiple comparisons to control family-wise error rate

Multiple Comparison Correction

Total number of statistical tests or comparisons

%

Original significance level (typically 5%)

Correction Results

0.0000%
Corrected Alpha (α)
0.000000
Decimal Format
0.00%
Original FWER
0.00%
Corrected FWER

Method: Classic Bonferroni Correction

Formula: α_corrected = 5% / 0 = 0.0000%

Power Reduction: 0.0% decrease in statistical power

Interpretation

Example Calculation

Medical Study Example

Scenario: Testing 4 different treatments

Original significance level: 5%

Number of tests: 4

Problem: Multiple comparisons increase false positive rate

Classic Bonferroni

Corrected α = 5% / 4 = 1.25%

Each test needs p < 0.0125 to be significant

Family-wise error rate ≤ 5%

Šidák Correction

Corrected α = 1 - (1 - 0.05)^(1/4)

= 1 - 0.95^0.25 = 0.0127 = 1.27%

Slightly less conservative

Multiple Comparison Methods

B

Bonferroni

Most conservative

Controls FWER strongly

Š

Šidák

Less conservative

Assumes independence

H

Holm-Bonferroni

Step-down method

More powerful alternative

When to Use

Multiple hypothesis testing

Post-hoc analysis in ANOVA

Exploratory data analysis

Clinical trial safety analyses

Understanding Bonferroni Correction

What is Bonferroni Correction?

The Bonferroni correction is a statistical method used to address the multiple comparisons problem. When performing multiple statistical tests simultaneously, the probability of obtaining at least one false-positive result (Type I error) increases. The Bonferroni correction controls this family-wise error rate.

Why is it Important?

  • Controls false-positive results in multiple testing
  • Maintains overall Type I error rate
  • Ensures meaningful statistical significance
  • Required in many scientific publications

Correction Formulas

Classic Bonferroni

α_corrected = α / m

Where α is the original significance level and m is the number of tests

Šidák Correction

α_corrected = 1 - (1 - p)^(1/m)

Less conservative, assumes independence between tests

Advantages

  • Simple and straightforward to apply
  • Strongly controls family-wise error rate
  • Works with any statistical test
  • Widely accepted in scientific literature

Limitations

  • Can be overly conservative
  • Increases risk of false negatives
  • Reduces statistical power significantly
  • May miss important true effects

Alternatives

  • Holm-Bonferroni method
  • Benjamini-Hochberg (FDR)
  • False Discovery Rate methods
  • Westfall-Young procedures