Statistical Evaluation of Medical Journal Manuscripts

Contributors of scientific communications to medical journals are responsible for the research designs of their studies, the applicability of the statistical tests used, and the validity of the conclusions drawn. This is the policy of many editorial boards. The contributors in many cases have had very little, if any, training in research methods. Some, before the investigation is begun, seek the advice of statisticians whose specialty is designing experiments so that valid conclusions may be drawn. In other instances the statistician is involved in each stage of the study. In most instances, however, research projects have not had the benefit of sound statistical advice. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of this lack of statistical planning and evaluation and to present a program that may be of some help in correcting the deficiency. Material and Methods From a list of 67 most frequently read medical journals,