Statistical Methods in the Journal — An Update

The authors surveyed the types of statistical methods used in the Journal during 2015. Investigators used a greater variety statistical methods, and the methods were more sophisticated than those used in earlier epochs. To the Editor: Among the original articles published in the Journal from 1978 through 1979 1 and from 2004 through 2005, 2 it has been shown previously that there was an increase in the sophistication of the statistical methods used. Since those periods, statistical methods have become a core component of data analysis and interpretation in medical research. Our objective was to update the findings on the statistical approaches used by authors of research articles in the Journal . We reviewed data from all 238 articles published as “Original Articles” and “Special Articles” from January through December 2015 (volumes 372 and 373) . . .