How can you decide which statistical test to use in research data analysis?

This self-paced course is designed to help researchers link a research question to the appropriate statistical test. In the first module, you will learn how to identify the population, intervention, control, and outcome from a research question. Module one also provides the basics of hypothesis testing and interpreting the p-value. Module two introduces different types of variables, which can then be used to determine the right statistical test. We discuss the two-sample t-test, paired t-test, chi-square test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and their non-parametric counterparts. Finally, you will have an opportunity to test your knowledge using examples from the clinical literature.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, you will be able to:

• Write research objectives using a standardized format.
• Explain the basics of hypothesis testing, including interpretation of the P value.
• Identify the types of variables and how they are summarized.
• Identify statistical tests commonly used for different types of outcome variables.
• Select appropriate statistical tests to use for published clinical examples.