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Consistency errors in p-values reported in Spanish psychology journals
José Manuel Caperos1, Antonio Pardo
1Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, Spain. jcaperos@upcomillas.es
Psicothema
|August 6, 2013
Summary
Statistical reporting errors are common in Spanish psychology journals, with nearly half of articles containing inconsistencies. These errors can significantly impact research conclusions and necessitate improved statistical reporting standards.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Scientific Publishing
- Statistical Analysis
Background:
- Recent reviews highlight frequent consistency errors in statistical reporting.
- Accuracy in reporting statistical results is crucial for scientific integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and impact of statistical consistency errors in Spanish psychology journals.
- To identify the extent to which reported statistics (Fisher-F, Student-t, Pearson-c²) align with their stated values and degrees of freedom.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of statistical results from 186 articles in four Spanish psychology journals.
- Analysis of 1,212 reported statistics for consistency between p-values, statistic values, and degrees of freedom.
Main Results:
- 12.2% of reviewed statistics exhibited consistency errors.
- 48% of articles contained at least one statistical consistency error.
- 17.6% of articles would have altered conclusions based on corrected statistics; 9.5% had substantial errors impacting effect size.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of Spanish psychology articles contain statistical reporting inconsistencies.
- There is a clear need to enhance the quality and precision of statistical reporting in this field.
- Improving statistical reporting is essential for maintaining the reliability of psychological research.
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