Statistical presentation in international scientific publications 1. Introduction

1. Statistical presentation in international scientific publications 1. Introduction Malcolm Campbell Lecturer in Statistics, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Manchester Statistical Editor, Health & Social Care in the Community

2. Statistical presentation in international scientific publications • Covering the problems involved in writing quantitative research papers and reporting statistical information • an insight into what a Statistician may be looking for when reviewing your paper • the aims are to help you • write statistical papers for journals • understand reviews of your papers returned by journals • have a better understanding of statistical reporting in journals • watch out for tips on statistical reporting: Statistical presentation - 1. Introduction

3. Statistical presentation Contents • 1. Introduction • 2. A symptomatic review • 3. Statistics by section • 4. Reporting numbers (for information only) • 5. A statistical review (group work) • 6. Reporting more complicated findings (info only) • 7. Conclusions • 8. References (for information only) Statistical presentation - 1. Introduction

4. The problem What we are aiming for • “Research should be reported transparently so that readers can follow what was planned, what was done, what was found, and what conclusions were drawn. • The credibility of research depends on a critical assessment by others of the strengths and weaknesses in study design, conduct and analysis.” (von Elm et al, 2007, more of which later) Statistical presentation - 1. Introduction

5. The authorsWith apologies to Roger Hargreaves Mr Chatterbox Mr Forgetful Mr Clumsy Mr Wrong Mr Muddle • Mr Chatterbox goes on and on and on beyond the word count • Mr Forgetful forgets to read the “instructions to authors” • Mr Clumsy uses awkward words for statistical reporting • Mr Wrong uses the wrong statistical methods • Mr Muddle confuses the sections of the paper Statistical presentation - 1. Introduction

6. The reviewersAlso with apologies to Roger Hargreaves Mr Slow Mr Worry Mr Mean Mr Fussy Mr Grumble • Mr Slow seems to spend a very long time reviewing • Mr Worry is unduly concerned with perfection • Mr Mean (the Statistician?) does not give due credit • Mr Fussy is preoccupied by minor details • Mr Grumble only gives negative comments Statistical presentation - 1. Introduction

7. The editorsAfter Roger Hargreaves Mr Pedantic • from “pedant, ped-nt’, n. a schoolmaster (Shak.); … ; one who attaches too much importance to merely formal matters in scholarship” • Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary 1987 Statistical presentation - 1. Introduction

8. This editorWho is this Mr Pedantic? • Lecturer in Statistics, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Manchester • Statistical Editor for Health & Social Care in the Community (HSCC), review all substantive quantitative research papers • hard work, but intellectually stimulating and educational • an ear for language, an eye for detail and a nose for trouble • “I would summarise reviewing medical papers as • difficult, time-consuming, sometimes interesting, sometimes boring • appreciated by journals, appreciated by authors (but perhaps not appreciated by employers) • usually unpaid, occasionally frustrating, and educational” (Altman 1998) Statistical presentation - 1. Introduction