Quevedo FCR, Cárdenas DRA

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 1-9
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ABSTRACT

Introduction: For years there has been a debate about the use of inferential statistical tests in the reports of research results, highlighting the criticism to the use of tests of statistical significance and its limitations. Objectives: To determine the frequency of use of statistical significance tests (SST) and confidence intervals (CI) by published study types, how the results are reported, and the influence of sample size, as well as their relationship with the conclusions. Results: In the period 2010-2015 of 150 original articles, 98% were descriptive or explanatory and of them, 95% used SST alone or with CI. The use of SST alone (69% of the articles) predominates. In 25% the significance level selection is explained and 53% of the studies reflect the exact figures of the tests performed. Only 15% mentions the influence of sample size on the results of statistical tests. In the conclusions, 86% of the articles refer adequately to the objectives of the study. Conclusions: SST and CI use predominate, mainly SST, more than half of the studies mention the precise results of the tests, most do not argue the relation of these results to the sample size and the authors elaborate the conclusions in accordance with the objectives set out in the study.