Statistical inference in facial plastic surgery: perspectives and alternatives.

Authors

Christopher S. Hollenbeak PhD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Thomas S. Wasser PhD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Robert X. Murphy Jr MD, MSFollow
Lawrence C. Kleinman MD, MPHFollow
Brendan C. Stack Jr MDFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-2002

Abstract

Facial plastic surgeons often must make decisions with imperfect information. Statistical inference is fundamentally the practice of using data to draw conclusions about uncertain phenomena. It is important, therefore, that facial plastic surgeons engaged both in clinical practice and in research have an understanding of statistical concepts to conduct research with results that are meaningful, to assess the validity of published research, and to adopt the most effective techniques and treatments. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of classical statistical methods that are encountered frequently in facial plastic surgery research, discuss issues of interpretation of results, and introduce an alternative paradigm for conducting statistical inference.

Volume

18

Issue

2

First Page

87

Last Page

93

ISSN

0736-6825

Published In/Presented At

Hollenbeak, C. S., Wasser, T. S., Murphy, R. J., Kleinman, L. C., & Stack, B. J. (2002). Statistical inference in facial plastic surgery: perspectives and alternatives. Facial Plastic Surgery: FPS, 18(2), 87-93.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Medical Specialties | Surgery

PubMedID

12063655

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article