On parametric tests of relativity with false degrees of freedom

Understand

General relativity can be tested by comparing the binary-inspiral signals found in LIGO--Virgo data against waveform models that are augmented with artificial degrees of freedom.

• This approach suffers from a number of logical and practical pitfalls.
• 1) It is difficult to ascribe meaning to the stringency of the resultant constraints.
• 2) It is doubtful that the Bayesian model comparison of relativity against these artificial models can offer actual validation for the former.