Statistical errors in scientific research: A narrative review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Statistics is the backbone of scientific research. Statistical errors are an inevitable part of any study. A researcher needs to be aware of various types of statistical errors, their implications, and steps to minimize them. Essentially, statistical errors may creep into medical literature either by deriving false-positive or false-negative interpretations during analysis or through fallacies in data collection. Manipulation of statistical errors to derive one’s preferred conclusions from a study is unethical. We searched medical literature in databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for the articles published between July 2014 and June 2023 followed by abstract screening which led to the study of 8 full-length articles to gather the pertinent material. This review highlights many of the common statistical errors along with examples and suggested corrective actions.