Statistical conclusion validity of rehabilitation research. A quantitative analysis

K. J. Ottenbacher, K. A. Barrett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

The findings of 100 data-based studies exploring the effectiveness of rehabilitation procedures were reviewed and analyzed. The statistical conclusion validity was determined by computing post hoc power coefficients for the statistical hypotheses tests included in the review studies. The data analysis revealed that the median power to detect a small effect size in the studies reviewed was 0.08. The median power to detect medium and large effect sizes was 0.26 and 0.56, respectively. The results suggest the possibility of a high rate of type II experimental errors in the rehabilitation research. A type II error represents a false-negative conclusion and occurs when a researcher supports a null hypothesis that was false and should have been rejected.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)102-107
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume69
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • efficacy
  • statistical power
  • type II error

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Statistical conclusion validity of rehabilitation research. A quantitative analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this