British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume 46, Issue 1 , Pages 38-41, January 2008

Which is the correct statistical test to use?

Schools of Nursing & Health Sciences, Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute, University Of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, United Kingdom

Accepted 6 September 2007. published online 25 October 2007.

Abstract 

This paper explains how to select the correct statistical test for a research project, clinical trial, or other investigation. The first step is to decide in what scale of measurement your data are as this will affect your decision—nominal, ordinal, or interval. The next stage is to consider the purpose of the analysis—for example, are you comparing independent or paired groups? Several statistical tests are discussed with an explanation of when it is appropriate to use each one; relevant examples of each are provided. If an incorrect test is used, then invalid results and misleading conclusions may be drawn from the study.

Keywords: Statistical test, Parametric, Nominal, Ordinal, Interval

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0266-4356(07)00437-8

doi:10.1016/j.bjoms.2007.09.002

British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume 46, Issue 1 , Pages 38-41, January 2008

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution