Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Misuse of statistical methods: critical assessment of articles in BMJ from January to March 1976.

Br Med J 1977; 1 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.6053.85 (Published 08 January 1977) Cite this as: Br Med J 1977;1:85
  1. S M Gore,
  2. I G Jones,
  3. E C Rytter

    Abstract

    Sixty-two reports that appeared as Papers and Originals (excluding short reports) in 13 consecutive issues of the British Medical journal included statistical analysis. Thirty-two had statistical errors of one kind or another; in 18 fairly serious faults were discovered. The summaries of five reports made some claim that was unsupportable on re-examination of the data. Medical investigators should consult with people who have a real understanding of statistical methods throughout their projects.