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Program: Scientific Session
General Topic: ARP

Stats Bootcamp 1: How to Choose the Right Statistical Analysis for Your Research

Sunday, October 26, 2025
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Central Time

    Moderator(s)

  • Michael LaValley, PhD

    Boston University School of Public Health
    Arlington, Massachusetts, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Cynthia Crowson, PhD

    Mayo Clinic
    Stewartvillle, Minnesota, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Session Coordinator(s)

  • Joshua Stefanik, PhD, PT

    Northeastern University
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

This session will help researchers determine the appropriate statistical test based on their study design, types of variables, and research question. Topics covered will include a discussion of three important components that need to be addressed before deciding on which analysis to use: 1) consider your research question, 2) identify your study design, and 3) know the characteristics of the variables used, including what part of the study the variable represents and the nature of the variable. Further discussion will focus on how to match the research question, study design, and variables to the appropriate analytic approach. Finally, we will include a discussion about how and when to use p-values properly when reporting results.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how to develop an appropriate research question
  • Determine the type of variable being analyzed (continuous vs. categorical, normal vs. non-normal, nominal vs. ordinal/rank ordered)
  • Choose the appropriate statistical test and/or analysis based on the research question and the distribution of outcome and predictor(s)
  • Describe what p-value means, including the correct interpretation, what it tells us, and how and when to use it properly

Presentations:

  • 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM Central Time
    Before Choosing a Statistical Approach: Developing a Research Question, Common Study Designs, and Variable Types and Characteristics

    Speaker: Becki Cleveland, PhD – University of North Carolina

  • 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM Central Time
    Matching the Research Question to an Analytic Approach and the Role of P Values in Statistical Inference

    Speaker: Carolina Alvarez, MS – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill