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How to spot a statistical problem: advice for a non-statistical reviewer.
Darren C Greenwood1, Jennifer V Freeman2
1Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. d.c.greenwood@leeds.ac.uk.
BMC Medicine
|November 3, 2015
Summary
Medical journal reviewers should seek expert statistical review for manuscripts with unclear methods, results, or interpretations. This ensures robust statistical validity and reliable scientific evidence in publications.
Area of Science:
- Medical research methodology
- Scientific publishing standards
Background:
- Statistical analyses in medical journals are increasingly complex.
- BMC Medicine currently relies on subject reviewers to identify the need for statistical review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current policy for recommending statistical review.
- To provide clear guidance for reviewers on identifying manuscripts requiring statistical evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the journal's policy on statistical review.
- Development of indicators for recommending statistical evaluation.
Main Results:
- Key indicators for statistical review include insufficient methodological detail, common statistical errors, and interpretations unsupported by data.
- Reviewers are tasked with assessing statistical design, analysis, presentation, and interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Subject reviewers should recommend statistical review when lacking confidence in a manuscript's statistical aspects.
- This process aims to uphold the methodological soundness and clarity of published research.
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