[Straying in the methodology. I. Introduction]

Abstract

In recent decades clinical studies with patients have gained qualitative and quantitative importance. This has led to growing interest in methodological quality. At present, doctors need more methodological knowledge. Sophisticated software enables almost everyone to carry out the most exotic of statistical and epidemiological analyses, but the methodological implications are too often incompletely understood. In a series of column-like short articles methodological items will be discussed, in order to point out frequent errors, fallacies and practical problems.