SPSS and its use in Medical Research

chillibreeze writer —Rani Joe Abraham

Introduction

Statistics involves a combination of mathematical techniques and logical reasoning. Apart from a thorough knowledge of the subject a certain amount of common sense and vision is needed to analyse and translate the research data into a clinical finding. Statistics is involved to some extent in all research projects. It plays a very important role in medical research. The quality of research papers published and the credibility of the data reported should be in accordance with the highest professional and statistical standards.

Use of Statistics in Medical Research

Compute p value
Study design – sample size estimation
Mid-course corrections
Selection of statistical method for analysis
Data analysis (interim & final)
Interpretation of analysed data
Reporting of data

Research data

Data collected in medical research should be accurate, reliable and unbiased. The use of standard analytical tools is recommended. The collected data should be verified by random source data verification checks and no modification should be attempted once a clean file has been declared. Data may be accessed only by authorised personnel. There should be procedural protection to ensure that data is not compromised before public release.

Rejection of research papers

Errors in the following areas are the main reasons for the rejection of research papers sent for publication in indexed journals:

Study background – aim/purpose rationale
Study design & data collection
Relevance and soundness of data analysis (analytical tools and procedures)
Interpretation
Reporting

These errors are indicative of poor conduct of scientific research. Many journals require the software and version to be stated as this enables the reviewers to have an idea of the methods used. Since the quality of statistics is essential to the credibility of the data reported it is essential to select a software program of the highest standards. The validity of conclusion is based on the statistical test applied. The study results depend on the interpretation of the data collected and these results make scientific influences.

SPSS in Medical Research

Predictive analysis using SPSS has made life easier for researchers and health care workers. SPSS is a statistical analysis software program with unlimited capabilities, which makes data management and preparation a lot easier as it has all the products one needs for complete analysis. It includes a variety of statistical tests and procedures. Research analysis has not only become faster but also more accurate and reliable. SPSS has been accepted as a standard quality software program throughout the world.

The range of capabilities for analytical procedures using SPSS includes the following:

Planning
Data collection
Data access
Data management and data preparation

With SPSS many variables can be analysed. The true benefit of SPSS is the speed of data availability and access when compared to using products from a variety of other vendors. Unnecessary duplication of work can be avoided saving time and money and data can be accessed over the Internet.

Chillibreeze & SPSS

Though there are many short term courses in statistics, statistical expertise cannot be achieved through short courses. They may educate one on the general principles and allow one to have a professional communication with a statistician, but these courses do not qualify one to do the statistics.

At Chillibreeze we have professionals certified in SPSS. Our professionals enable you to make better informed decisions and successful programs.

Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.

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—About our writer:

Rani writes for chillibreeze.

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