Introduction to biostatistics: Part 1, basic concepts

Statistical methods commonly used to analyze data presented in journal articles should be understood by both medical scientists and practicing clinicians. Inappropriate data analysis methods have been reported in 42% to 78% of original publications in critical reviews of selected medical journals. The only way to halt researchers' misuse of statistics and improve the clinician's knowledge of statistics is through education. This is the first of a six-part series of articles intended to provide the reader with a basic, yet fundamental knowledge of common biomedical statistical methods. The series will cover basic concepts of statistical analysis, descriptive statistics, statistical inference theory, comparison of means, χ2, and correlational and regression techniques. A conceptual explanation will accompany discussion of the appropriate use of these techniques.