Misuse of statistical methods: critical assessment of articles in BMJ from January to March 1976. Issue 6053 (8th January 1977)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gore, S M; Jones, I G; Rytter, E C
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 1:Issue 6053(1977)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 1977-01-08
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.1.6053.85
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

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.