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In the first part of this guest editorial (JOSPT, June 2003 guest editorial), we presented our statistical perspective on how to interpret and report results that were not statistically significant. We emphasized that the best approach begins at the planning stages of a study. Carefully stated objectives, an appropriate study design, and statistical power calculations are all part of planning an effective research study. We also discussed how an analysis of post hoc statistical power can be used in the event that the results of a study are not statistically significant. A post hoc assessment of statistical power can identify whether or not the study was sensitive enough to detect an important clinical effect.
In this guest editorial, we provide additional comments on interpreting study results that are not statistically significant and the role that statistical power calculations have in supporting a specific interpretation. We present these comments in the format of responses to frequently asked questions that we have encountered in our collaborative work with investigators in a variety of disciplines within the life sciences.
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003; 33(7):367-368.
Key Words: nonsignificant results; statistics
