Analysis of the theoretical bias in dark matter direct detection

Understand

Fitting the model "A" to dark matter direct detection data, when the model that underlies the data is "B", introduces a theoretical bias in the fit.

• We perform a quantitative study of the theoretical bias in dark matter direct detection, with a focus on assumptions regarding the dark matter interactions, and velocity distribution.
• We address this problem within the effective theory of isoscalar dark matter-nucleon interactions mediated by a heavy spin-1 or spin-0 particle.
• We analyze 24 benchmark points in the parameter space of the theory, using frequentist and Bayesian statistical methods.