A novel approach to quantify random error explicitly in epidemiological studies

Eur J Epidemiol. 2011 Dec;26(12):899-902. doi: 10.1007/s10654-011-9605-2. Epub 2011 Jul 30.

Abstract

The most frequently used methods for handling random error are largely misunderstood or misused by researchers. We propose a simple approach to quantify the amount of random error which does not require solid background in statistics for its proper interpretation. This method may help researchers refrain from oversimplistic interpretations relying on statistical significance.

MeSH terms

  • Confidence Intervals
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • Epidemiologic Methods*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Metric System
  • Selection Bias