Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://scidar.kg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/11010
Title: PhD Students and the Most Frequent Mistakes during Data Interpretation by Statistical Analysis Software
Authors: Masic, Izet
Jankovic, Slobodan
Begic, Edin
Issue Date: 2019
Abstract: © 2019 The authors and IOS Press. All rights reserved. Correct choice and administration of a statistical test are absolutely essential for meaningful interpretation of research data, yet mistakes are still frequent and could be easily found in published scientific papers or PhD theses. The aim of this study was to analyze mistakes made by PhD students in statistical analysis of data collected during research within the framework of their thesis. PhD students frequently use Excel and SPSS for data processing, while SAS, Stata and R are also available. The study was designed as cross-sectional analysis of random sample (n=15) of PhD theses in pre-approval stage at Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Serbia. In total 14 (93%) theses had at least one mistake. The most frequent mistakes were as the following: insufficient statistical power due to small sample size, inappropriate presentation of results at tables and graphs, andinappropriate choice of statistical tests. In order to improve the situation, training courses in statistics during PhD studies should be re-evaluated and improved in regard to relevance, delivery methods and motivating potential, and mentors should invest more effort to review the data and guide students through statistical analysis.
URI: https://scidar.kg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/11010
Type: conferenceObject
DOI: 10.3233/SHTI190028
ISSN: 0926-9630
SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-85068570323
Appears in Collections:Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kragujevac

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