GoKawiilR Package dplyr's ntile() Function Flagged as Unsuitable for Regulatory Statistical Analysis
A technical commentary warns analysts against using the 'ntile()' function from R's dplyr package when preparing statistical analyses meant for regulatory submission. The author explains that ntile() originated as a SQL utility and behaves in ways that do not align with standard statistical quantile calculations, potentially producing misleading results.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
If widely used, this function's quirks could introduce subtle errors into analyses submitted to regulators, since ntile()'s SQL-derived logic may not match the quantile definitions statisticians expect. The warning suggests analysts should verify which functions underlie their grouping or binning steps before relying on them in high-stakes regulatory work, though the scope of actual misuse in industry is not detailed.
- dplyr::ntile() is described as a SQL-inspired tool rather than a proper statistical quantile function.
- The commentary specifically cautions against its use in analyses submitted to regulatory agencies.
- Analysts are urged to understand the underlying mechanics of statistical functions before applying them in critical work.
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Published there as: “The Trouble with 'Ntile()'”
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