Statistics provide a variety of information that can shape healthcare. Statistics can indicate disparity in care, effectiveness of treatments plans, and predict future outcomes. As a future DNP-prepared nurse, understanding how to analyze and interpret statistics will provide you the opportunity to utilize research in directing patient care and implementing procedures to ultimately improve patient success.

When comparing patients, treatment methods, or healthcare practices, it will be important to consider differences amongst groups. Statistics give us the opportunity to explore and determine these differences to properly analyze the data, make recommendations, or determine treatment options. As a DNP-prepared nurse, using statistics to determine differences may assist you in making the best decisions for your patients and practice. 

This week, you will examine the use of inferential statistics in research. You will also consider the strengths and weaknesses of using both t-tests and ANOVA.

Students will:

• Analyze the use of t-tests, ANOVA, and inferential statistics in research and evidence-based practice
• Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of inferential statistics in supporting evidence-based practice
• Interpret results and output from t-tests and ANOVA
• Summarize ANOVA Statistics

ONLY PEER REVIEW Journals can be used no more than 5 years old

Journal to review PROVIDED

• Consider some of the important issues in healthcare delivery or nursing practice today. Bring to mind the topics to which you have been exposed through previous courses in your program of study, as well as any news items that have caught your attention recently. Select one topic to focus on for this Discussion.
• Review journal, newspaper, and/or internet articles that may provide credible information on your selected topic. Then, select one research article to focus on for this Discussion that used inferential statistical analysis (either a t-test or ANOVA) to study the topic.
• With information from the Learning Resources in mind, evaluate the purpose and value of the research study discussed in your selected article and consider the following questions:
  • Who comprised the sample in this study?
  • What were the sources of data?
  • What inferential statistic was used to analyze the data collected (t-test or ANOVA)?
  • What were the findings?
• Ask yourself: How did using an inferential statistic bring value to the research study? Did it increase the studys application to evidence-based practice?

Post a brief description of the topic that you selected for this Discussion. Summarize the study discussed in your selected research article and provide a complete APA citation. Be sure to include a summary of the sample studied, data sources, inferential statistic(s) used, and associated findings. Then, evaluate the purpose and value of this particular research study to the topic. Did using inferential statistics strengthen or weaken the studys application to evidence-based practice? Why or why not? Be specific and provide examples.