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Choosing statistical tests: part 12 of a series on evaluation of scientific publications
Jean-Baptist du Prel1, Bernd Röhrig, Gerhard Hommel
1Institut für Epidemiologie, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Background:
The interpretation of scientific articles often requires an understanding of the methods of inferential statistics. This article informs the reader about frequently used statistical tests and their correct application.
Methods:
The most commonly used statistical tests were identified through a selective literature search on the methodology of medical research publications. These tests are discussed in this article, along with a selection of other standard methods of inferential statistics.
Results And Conclusions:
Readers who are acquainted not just with descriptive methods, but also with Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Student's t test will be able to interpret a large proportion of medical research articles. Criteria are presented for choosing the proper statistical test to be used out of the most frequently applied tests. An algorithm and a table are provided to facilitate the selection of the appropriate test.
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