Basics of Statistical Comparisons

Abstract

All study designs in medical research, barring descriptive studies, involve comparative analysis to achieve its objective/s. Comparisons between groups based on outcomes, or risk factors, or interventions, are the basis of hypotheses in evidence-based medicine. Statistical tests support in making criterion-based decisions about the validity of the hypothesis. A basic knowledge of statistical comparisons helps medical researchers to apply valid statistical tests. Novice medical researchers struggle to decide when, and which statistical test must be applied. There is a need to further reduce the mathematical jargon in statistics related publications for medical researchers. In this article, we aim to provide the readers with practical pointers about the applied aspects of basic statistical comparisons in medical research.