engleski

Errors in statistical analysis and data presentation

Biostatistics is widely accepted as a powerful tool for understanding and analyzing data and there is a constant increase in the use of statistical methods in scientific biomedical literature. The inappropropriate use of statistical methods is a serious problem and may lead to distorted results, incorrect conclusions and a substantial waste of financial and other resources. Moreover, it can have serious clinical consequences and is therefore considered as highly unethical. Errors may occur due to the lack of competence, honest error or even negligence and deliberate deception. Unfortunately, a great number of published medical research contains some statistical errors. To prevent or at least reduce the error rate and to improve the quality of the their articles, many scientific journals have introduced a statistical peer-reviewing process, or even statistical editor. Furthermore, many guidelines concerning research methodology, study design, data analysis and reporting have been published. However, the improvement has been only modest and some major problems with research methodology and statistical analysis still exist in the biomedical literature.

statistical analysis; errors; scientific methodology

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