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Quality of statistical reporting in developmental disability journals
Aravind K Namasivayam1, Tina Yan, Wing Yiu Stephanie Wong
1aOral Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Speech-Language Pathology bToronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI) cInstitute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) dRehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto eHuman Communications Laboratory (HCL), Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) is common but criticized. Reporting effect sizes, confidence intervals, and power analysis is crucial for comprehensive findings in developmental disability and rehabilitation research.
Area of Science:
- Statistics in developmental disability and rehabilitation research.
Background:
- Null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) is widely used but faces criticism.
- The American Psychological Association recommends reporting effect sizes (ES), confidence intervals (CIs), and power analysis for a fuller understanding of research.
- Current statistical reporting practices in key journals need examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey statistical reporting practices in two leading journals in developmental disability and rehabilitation.
- To assess adherence to American Psychological Association recommendations for reporting statistical measures.
Main Methods:
- A checklist based on American Psychological Association guidelines was used.
- 100 articles published in 2013 from the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (JADD) and Research in Developmental Disabilities (RDD) were randomly selected.
- Articles reporting inferential statistics were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Effect sizes (ES) were reported in approximately half of the articles (JADD: 59.3%; RDD: 55.87%).
- A priori power and sample size determination were infrequently reported (JADD: 10%; RDD: 6%).
- Confidence intervals (CIs) were reported and interpreted in a small percentage of articles (JADD: 13.33%; RDD: 16.67%).
Conclusions:
- Statistical reporting in developmental disability and rehabilitation journals often falls short of recommended practices.
- There is a need for reforms in statistical reporting to include supplemental measures alongside NHST.
- Improving statistical reporting is essential to advance science and bridge the research-to-practice gap.
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