Use of the confidence interval function.

Graphics displaying all confidence intervals around a point estimate have been referred to as P-value functions and consonance intervals. We recommend use of the term confidence interval function (CI function) rather than P-value function. The CI function is useful because it simultaneously depicts point estimation, variability, and the relation of these two factors to the null value. The usefulness of the CI function in demonstrating the concepts of effect modification and confounding, in meta-analysis, and in the comparison of various confidence interval procedures is evaluated. Software packages that produce CI functions are described.