Statistical issues in the parton distribution analysis of the Tevatron jet data

TL;DR

This paper examines discrepancies between Tevatron jet data and QCD predictions, focusing on uncertainties in nuisance parameters and their impact on the statistical significance of observed tensions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the statistical and systematic uncertainties affecting the interpretation of Tevatron jet data within the nuisance parameter framework.

Findings

No statistically significant excess in nuisance parameters after accounting for uncertainties

Uncertainties in data fluctuations and PDF errors are crucial for accurate analysis

Discussion of potential statistical bias in the estimator

Abstract

We analyse a tension between the D0 and CDF inclusive jet data and the perturbative QCD calculations, which are based on the ABKM09 and ABM11 parton distribution functions (PDFs) within the nuisance parameter framework. Particular attention is paid on the uncertainties in the nuisance parameters due to the data fluctuations and the PDF errors. We show that with account of these uncertainties the nuisance parameters do not demonstrate a statistically significant excess. A statistical bias of the estimator based on the nuisance parameters is also discussed.