Importance of Statistics

Dr. Gajendra K. Vishwakarma

Associate Scientist-Clinical Research
Lupin Research Park, Pune
 Statistics is the science which deals with
the collection, analysis and interpretation
of numerical data.

 Statistics should be viewed not as a mere

device for collecting numerical data but as
means of developing sound techniques for
their handling and analysis and drawing
valid inferences from them.
 Statistics is indispensable to planning
 In order that planning is successful, it must
be based soundly on the correct analysis of
complex statistical data
 Suppose a businessman wants to
manufacture ready-made garments
 Before starting with the production process
he must have an overall idea of
 How many garments are to be
manufactured
 How much raw material and labour is
needed
 What is the quality, shape, colour, size,
etc. of the garments to be manufactured.
 Thus the formulation of a production plan
in advance is a must which cannot be
done without having quantitative facts.
Similarly for non clinical research
planning
 Similarly for non clinical research planning
 Results of relevant publication
 Methodology to be used
 Unit of randomisation
 Approaches to handle losses,and deviations
 Method of reporting and decoding
 Type of analysis
For Clinical research …..
 For Clinical research
 Review of appropriate published reports
 Problems to be anticipated during the
trial – AE etc.
 Entry criteria for the trial
 Type of investigation, observations and
precautions
 Unit of randomization
 Stratification:
Method of allocation
 Approaches to handle losses:
withdrawals and deviations
 Definition of adverse event
 Outcome definitions
 After the results are decoded and
compiled analysis and interpretation must
be done using appropriate statistical tools
Limitation of statistics

 Statistics does not study individuals

 Statistical laws are not exact

 Statistics is liable to be misused

 The number of accidents taking place in the
middle of the road is much less than the
number of accidents taking place on its sides.
 The number of accidents taking place in the
middle of the road is much less than the
number of accidents taking place on its sides.
 Hence it is safer to walk in the middle of the
road
 The number of accidents taking place in the
middle of the road is much less than the
number of accidents taking place on its sides.
 Hence it is safer to walk in the middle of the
road
 This conclusion is obviously wrong since we
are not given the proportion of the number of
accidents to the number of persons walking in
the two cases.
 Statistical arguments based on incomplete
data often lead to fallacious conclusions.
 Statistics is dangerous in the hands of those
who do not know its use and deficiencies
 Now a days every one uses packages for
statistical analysis
 Interpretation should be made after careful
consideration of all the factors
 So always better to consult a statistician
 Science of statistics is the most useful
servant but only of great value to those
who understand its proper use.