The (mis)use of the mean value as a measure of central tendency and other most common errors when analyzing the collected data

Abstract:

For empirical medical research, accurate statistical data analysis is mandatory to ensure the correctness of conclusions drawn from the obtained results. There are numerous steps involved in a scientific study, and the errors are possible at each stage. Even the slightest mistake in any of these steps can significantly impact the results and, consequently, the conclusions of the research. Potential errors in the statistical analysis of a collected data are numerous. For this reason, it is necessary to arouse skepticism and caution among healthcare professionals, novice scientists as well as all the readers of scientific and professional medical literature in their daily work. There is a large number of (mis)use when interpreting the processed data, and the arithmetic mean as the most commonly used mean value is very common.

Key words:
arithmetic mean; median; data interpretation, misuse