A review of key research design and statistical analysis issues

Abstract

This article highlights some basic principles of the design and use of statistical tests, using a minimum of mathematics or statistical jargon. It is not the intent to summarize all the possible details involved with performing these tests, but instead to offer insight into evaluating the statistical methods found in published articles. Historically, the number of scientific articles published in which inappropriate statistical analyses were performed is alarming. Only when the reader understands the problem and demands change will this situation improve. The consequence of inaction is to be mired with an array of poorly designed articles that, at the very least, do not advance the field of study and, at worse, may influence practitioners not well versed in statistics to expose patients to useless, unnecessary, or even harmful procedures.