Statistical hypothesis testing
BMJ 2010; 340 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.c2059 (Published 21 April 2010) Cite this as: BMJ 2010;340:c2059
- Philip Sedgwick, senior lecturer in medical statistics
- 1Centre for Medical and Healthcare Education, St George’s, University of London, London
A randomised controlled trial evaluated the cost and efficacy of community leg ulcer clinics that used four layer compression bandaging. The control treatment was provision of usual care by district nurses.1 Over the 12 months of follow-up, ulcers healed more quickly in the clinic group than in the control group (P=0.03). Statistical tests were two sided.
Which of the following, if any, are true?
a) Null hypothesis: in the population, over 12 months of follow-up healing times are shorter if leg ulcers are treated in community clinics rather than by district nurses
b) Null hypothesis: …
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