MNCLHD

MNCLHD

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Seven deadly sins of statistical misinterpretation

A handy summary published in The Conversation recently reminds us of The seven deadly sins of statistical misinterpretation and how to avoid them. Authors Winnefred Louis and Cassandra Chapman, from the University of Queensland explain the problem with:

  • Assuming small differences are meaningful
  • Equating statistical significance with real-world significance
  • Neglecting to look at extremes
  • Trusting coincidence
  • Getting causation backwards
  • Forgetting to consider outside causes, and
  • Deceptive graphs
All very useful when critically appraising original studies in health.

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