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Method comparisons with quantitative data II: a look at statistics

In this fifth article on method comparisons, Stephen MacDonald moves on from data collection and the application of basic graphing techniques, to focus this month on covariance, correlation and regression, and the interpretation of results.

In the previous article in this series,1 we took a high-level view of our data analysis. We set up a project structure so that colleagues can quickly pick up the data and understand what has been done, and why. Then we generated our summary statistics to answer the goals for the first stage of the analysis. These goals were concerned with conveying descriptive statistics of our data to show what we have collected is appropriate.

            Now we move on to some of the more common techniques used in comparison studies, including regression and correlation. The goal for this article is not to walk through how to perform each analysis but rather to review some of the pros and cons for each method, and more importantly how to interpret results in the appropriate context. Finally, we will touch upon hypothesis testing and the ubiquitous search for a P value.

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Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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