Research and statistics fundamentals

¶ … information age, one of the most important skill sets that virtually any private practitioner in virtually any profession can have is an ability to understand statistical processes and presentations and produce the same with both accuracy and attention to ethical obligations. In a science-related field such as healthcare, for example, this skill set is particularly important, as information-based claims are made continually that the practitioner must be able to evaluate as a consumer and as an expert relied upon by patients for accurate, reliable data. Further, the practitioner must be able to produce statistical data in order to effectively and efficiently manage such professional concerns as cost controls and patient recidivism rates around prescribed care regimes.

This brief paper will briefly outline basic statistical processes that the private practitioner is likely to deal with in daily operations.

Perhaps the most important statistical detail that must be understood and dealt with is how to evaluate data. As both Rumsey (2003) and Depoy and Gitlin (2005) write, it is critical to have an understanding of terminology and design of statistical studies in order to read between the lines of presentations of information. The practitioner must understand the different qualitatitve and quantitative research, and must know how basic information gathering techniques are carried for each, along with associated pitfalls for different types of studies. For example, as Depoy and Gitlin argue, the research question -- that is, what is being asked and what types of answers will satisfy the question -- is perhaps the most important driving force behind evaluating data. Methodologies can be used either effectively or ineffectively by a given researcher, and the process of peer review should determine what studies are valid and reliable. However, the types of questions posed and the types of answers returned are critical no matter what methodologies are used, because these are factors that the skilled practitioner can readily understand and apply. Practitioners should understand whether the research was designed to definitively answer some question or simply to point in the direction of further needed research. They should know whether the study was attempting to determine causal factors or simply highlight different links between factors. Rumsey claims that by understanding how data claims are limited, by the design of the study, by sample size, by statistical measures utilized, or through some other factor, the professional can know how to determine how valid research is and what can be done with it confidently.