# Fortifying gravitational-wave tests of general relativity against astrophysical assumptions

**Authors:** Ethan Payne, Maximiliano Isi, Katerina Chatziioannou, Will M. Farr  
**arXiv:** [2309.04528](https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.04528)  
**Date:** 2023-09-08  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2309.04528v1/

## Key points

- Authors propose a novel approach to fortifying tests of general relativity using gravitational-wave observations
- Current tests often rely on inferring deviations from general relativity in conjunction with astrophysical parameters, leading to potential biases
- Introduction of a hierarchical analysis framework that simultaneously infers the underlying astrophysical population using a catalog of detections is crucial for avoiding biases and improving consistency with general relativity
- Study delves into population analyses, discusses different models employed, and addresses observational selection effects
- Modeling the astrophysical population provides updated constraints on deviations from general relativity and suggests benefits for other gravitational-wave studies related to cosmology or nuclear matter

## Summary

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The authors propose a novel approach to fortifying tests of general relativity using gravitational-wave observations against biases introduced by astrophysical assumptions. Current tests often rely on inferring deviations from general relativity in conjunction with astrophysical parameters, which can lead to potential biases. To address this issue, the authors introduce a hierarchical analysis framework that simultaneously infers the underlying astrophysical population using a catalog of detections. This approach is crucial for avoiding biases and improving consistency with general relativity. The study delves into population analyses and discusses different models employed, as well as addressing observational selection effects. By modeling the astrophysical population, the authors provide updated constraints on deviations from general relativity and suggest that this approach could also be beneficial for other gravitational-wave studies related to cosmology or nuclear matter.