Choice of statistical tests

On reviewing a scientific paper, the most important questions that a reviewer will seek answers for are: Are the statistical procedures appropriate? Are the results convincing and clearly presented? Are the tables and graphs comprehensive and clear? Using statistical software, such as ‘SPSS’ or ‘Statistica for Windows’, does not guarantee appropriate analysis of the research findings and verification of their significance unless the appropriate method has been chosen. The program will not alert you to the fact that you are using a wrong method; it will always give an output for whatever data you enter. Choice of appropriate statistical tests is the cornerstone of successful research projects and of writing scientific papers. Understanding the basics of statistics is a prerequisite for choosing the appropriate test.