Improved reporting of statistical design and analysis: guidelines, education, and editorial policies

Methods in Molecular Biology
Madhu MazumdarHeather L Van Epps

Abstract

A majority of original articles published in biomedical journals include some form of statistical analysis. Unfortunately, many of the articles contain errors in statistical design and/or analysis. These errors are worrisome, as the misuse of statistics jeopardizes the process of scientific discovery and the accumulation of scientific knowledge. To help avoid these errors and improve statistical reporting, four approaches are suggested: (1) development of guidelines for statistical reporting that could be adopted by all journals, (2) improvement in statistics curricula in biomedical research programs with an emphasis on hands-on teaching by biostatisticians, (3) expansion and enhancement of biomedical science curricula in statistics programs, and (4) increased participation of biostatisticians in the peer review process along with the adoption of more rigorous journal editorial policies regarding statistics. In this chapter, we provide an overview of these issues with emphasis to the field of molecular biology and highlight the need for continuing efforts on all fronts.

Citations

Jun 14, 2013·Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia = Journal Canadien D'anesthésie·James D O'Leary, Mark W Crawford
Jan 12, 2019·Journal of Statistics Education : an International Journal on the Teaching and Learning of Statistics·Robert A Oster, Felicity T Enders
Sep 13, 2014·Clinical and Translational Science·Robert A OsterFelicity T Enders
Aug 28, 2014·Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics : the Journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists)·David B Elliott
May 6, 2021·Journal of Clinical and Translational Science·Robert A OsterFelicity T Enders

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