Magnitude-based inference and its application in user research

Magnitude-based inference offers a theoretically justified and practically useful approach in any behavioural research that involves statistical inference. This approach supports two important types of inference: mechanistic inference and practical inference to support real-world decision-making. Therefore, this approach is especially suitable for user research. We present basic elements of magnitude-based inference and examples of its application in user research as well as its merits. Finally, we discuss other approaches to statistical inference and limitations of magnitude-based inference, and give recommendations on how to use this type of inference in user research.