Statistical analysis in family medicine research.
Analysis of the data is an important stage in any research project. Statistical analysis allows us to summarize data with easily understood concepts, such as rates, means, medians, or standard deviations. Statistical analysis also allows us to judge whether differences or associations identified in the sample are merely the result of the random error associated with sampling, and it often provides a measure of the strength of the associations identified. While appropriate statistical analysis is crucial to any research endeavor, the success or failure of the project is more dependent upon what has been done prior to beginning data analysis, not after. This article reviews concepts fundamental to any statistical analysis, the primary reasons to submit data to analysis, and selection of the appropriate statistical test. The discussion is brief of necessity, and readers are encouraged to consult standard statistical texts for more detailed information.
LeFevre
M L
ML
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia 65212.
D000328:Adult; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design