arbitrary threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arbitrary threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a limit or standard is set without a specific rationale or justification. Example: "The study established an arbitrary threshold for data inclusion, which may affect the overall results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An arbitrary threshold defined at 5% was applied for passing quality control (Figs 5b and 6d).

Nature

This approach avoids the choice of an arbitrary threshold for initial cluster formation (Nichols and Holmes, 2002).

Nature

Cracking the arbitrary threshold of a four-digit stock price is a reminder of just how heavy Amazon has become.

The New York Times - Tech

The details of his method are unclear, but they appear to extract an isosurface at an arbitrary threshold.

Stanford University

It might seem a slightly arbitrary threshold, and it's one chosen largely for personal reasons, but Crich feels like the beginning of something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The problem here is that by crossing an arbitrary threshold and categorising results as significant or non-significant, researchers can be misled in their interpretation.

Nature

And because statistical significance is an arbitrary threshold (p<.05), researchers have every incentive to tweak their analyses until the results cross the line.

The Guardian

To determine actively transcribed promoters and enhancers, we determined an arbitrary threshold based on surveyed region size (see Supplementary Fig. 8).

Nature

We set compare this average jerk to an arbitrary threshold to determine whether a larger or smaller delay is to be used.

Cornell University

Mr Klein argues that schools should instead be judged by the progress their pupils show, regardless of whether they cross an arbitrary threshold.

The Economist

For example, assume that we start with any arbitrary threshold vector ϕ (0).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using an "arbitrary threshold", clearly state why the specific value was chosen, even if the reason is for simplicity or convention. Transparency helps readers understand the limitations and potential biases introduced by the threshold.

Common error

Avoid using an "arbitrary threshold" as the sole basis for decision-making or categorization without acknowledging its limitations. Always consider supplementary analyses or alternative approaches to validate the results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arbitrary threshold" functions as a noun phrase, where 'arbitrary' modifies 'threshold'. It describes a limit or boundary that is set without a clear, logical, or necessary reason. As Ludwig AI examples show, it's used across various disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

15%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "arbitrary threshold" describes a limit or standard set without a clear rationale and it is a correct and usable phrase in English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently used across academic, scientific, and news contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, its use often implies a critical assessment of the methodology or analysis employing the threshold. Alternatives like "random cutoff" or "subjective limit" can be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey. It's essential to acknowledge the limitations of "arbitrary thresholds" and to strive for transparency in their application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random cutoff

Emphasizes the lack of a specific selection process.

subjective limit

Highlights that the limit is based on personal feelings or opinions.

unreasoned criterion

Focuses on the absence of logical justification for the standard.

artificial boundary

Suggests the boundary is created rather than naturally occurring.

discretionary level

Implies the level is determined at someone's own judgment.

imposed standard

Focuses on the act of setting the standard by authority.

unjustified parameter

Highlights the lack of valid reasons for the parameter's setting.

stipulated value

Indicates a value that is agreed but not necessarily justified.

designated benchmark

Suggests a benchmark is chosen without particular justification.

nominal threshold

Implies the threshold is set in name only, without substantial basis.

FAQs

How can I use "arbitrary threshold" in a sentence?

You can use "arbitrary threshold" to describe a limit or standard set without a clear or logical rationale. For example, "The study established an arbitrary threshold of 5% for considering data outliers."

What are some alternatives to saying "arbitrary threshold"?

Alternatives include "random cutoff", "subjective limit", or "unreasoned criterion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to avoid using "arbitrary thresholds" in research?

While "arbitrary thresholds" can simplify analysis, they can also introduce bias. It's important to acknowledge their limitations and, when possible, use methods that minimize reliance on them.

What makes a threshold "arbitrary"?

A threshold is considered "arbitrary" when it is selected without a specific, justifiable reason, often based on convenience, convention, or subjective judgment rather than empirical evidence.