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

Sixty-two reports that appeared as Papers and Originals 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.

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.