title: Statistics in medical journals.
abstract: The general standard of statistics in medical journals is poor. This paper considers the reasons for this with illustrations of the types of error that are common. The consequences of incorrect statistics in published papers are discussed; these involve scientific and ethical issues. Suggestions are made about ways in which the standard of statistics may be improved. Particular emphasis is given to the necessity for medical journals to have proper statistical refereeing of submitted papers.
mesh_terms: D004989:Ethics; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011643:Publishing / Q000592:standards; D012107:Research Design; D013223:Statistics as Topic