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Review
. 2024 Sep 15;8(1):e002755.
doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002755.

Common errors in statistics and methods

Peter Flom  1 , Katie Harron  2 , Javier Ballesteros  3   4 , Chester Kalinda  5   6 , Eirini Koutoumanou  2 , Jeremy Miles  7 , Sarah Jane Nevitt  8 , Peter Rohloff  9
Affiliations
Review

Common errors in statistics and methods

Peter Flom et al. BMJ Paediatr Open. .

Abstract

As statistical reviewers and editors for BMJ Paediatrics Open (BMJPO), we frequently see methodological and statistical errors in articles submitted to our journal. To make a list of these common errors and propose suitable corrections, and inspired by similar efforts at other leading journals, we surveyed the statistical reviewers and editors at BMJPO to collect their 'pet peeves' and examples of best practices.(1, 2) We have divided these into seven sections: graphics; statistical significance and related issues; presentation, vocabulary, textual and tabular presentation; causality; model building, regression and choice of methods; meta-analysis; and miscellaneous. Here, we present the common errors, with brief explanations. We hope that the guidance provided here will help guide authors as they prepare their submissions to the journal, leading to higher quality and more robust research reporting.

Keywords: Statistics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

References

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