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4. Basic Statistics

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Basic Statistics outlines the importance of statistical analysis in scientific research, emphasizing accuracy and consistency in data handling. It provides guidance on data preparation, descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation analysis, and result presentation, applicable to various research settings. The SOP is intended for all staff involved in statistical data analysis at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, ensuring standardized methods are followed.

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5 views4 pages

4. Basic Statistics

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Basic Statistics outlines the importance of statistical analysis in scientific research, emphasizing accuracy and consistency in data handling. It provides guidance on data preparation, descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation analysis, and result presentation, applicable to various research settings. The SOP is intended for all staff involved in statistical data analysis at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, ensuring standardized methods are followed.

Uploaded by

bolla rakesh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Standard Operating Procedure: Basic Statistics

Title: Basic Statistics


SOP No. Issue date Effective date Review Date
ICMR/NIN/E/001
Version No. Copy No.
00 1

Authored By : Dr. Ajantha Rudra Date:


Reviewd By : Date:
Approved By : Date:

ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India


66
Standard Operating Procedure: Basic Statistics

1. Introduction

Statistical analysis is an essential component of scientific research. It provides the tools to


summarize data, make inferences, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Basic statistics form the
foundation for understanding patterns, testing hypotheses, and communicating findings
effectively. In research settings it is crucial to apply standardized procedures for data handling
and statistical analysis to ensure consistency, accuracy, and transparency.

2. Objective
2.1 Ensure accuracy and consistency in the application of descriptive and inferential
statistical methods.
2.2 Facilitate appropriate data summarization, comparison, and interpretation across
different types of studies.
2.3 Provide clear guidance to researchers, analysts, and data managers on the steps
involved in preparing, analyzing, and reporting data.
3. Scope
This SOP applies to all staff involved in statistical data analysis within the institution. It
is intended for use in observational studies, clinical research, health surveys, and
laboratory-based data where basic statistics are required.
4. Responsibilities
4.1 Prepare, check, and clean the dataset before analysis.
4.2 Conduct and validate statistical analysis, interpret the data.

5. Required Materials and Tools

5.1 Statistical Software (R, SPSS, STATA, SAS, Python, or MS Excel)


5.2 Data dictionary
5.3 Clean dataset
5.4 Documentation templates for analysis and reporting

6. Procedure

6.1 Data Preparation and Cleaning

ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India


67
Standard Operating Procedure: Basic Statistics

 Handle missing values using predefined methods e.g., deletion, imputation.


 Identify and address outliers using statistical or graphical methods e.g.,
boxplots, histograms, z-scores.
 Standardize variable coding and label all variables.
6.2 Descriptive Statistics
6.2.1 Categorical Variables: Report frequencies and percentages. Use Bar or Pie
charts for visualization.
6.2.2 Continuous Variables: Report Mean, Median, Standard deviation (SD),
Coefficient of variation (CV), Min, and Max. Visualize with Histograms
or Boxplots.
6.3 Inferential Statistics
6.3.1 Normality Testing:
 Test for Homogeneity of variance or visual methods e.g., QQ plots,
Histograms for normality.
 Use Parametric tests if data is normally distributed; otherwise use
non-parametric tests.
6.3.2 Group Comparisons:
 Two Groups:
Continuous variable: apply t-test (Parametric) or Mann-Whitney U test (Non
parametric)
Categorical variable: apply Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test
 More than Two Groups:
Continuous: ANOVA or Kruskal-Walli’s test
6.4 Correlation Analysis
6.4.1 Continuous variable: Pearson correlation coefficient (Parametric) or
Spearman rank correlation coefficient (Non-parametric)
6.4.2 Categorical variable: Chi-square test of independence
6.5 Confidence Intervals and Significance:
6.5.1 Report 99% or 95% or 90% confidence intervals

6.5.2 Use a p-value threshold of 0.05 unless specified otherwise

ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India


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Standard Operating Procedure: Basic Statistics

6.6 Result Presentation


 Clearly present outcomes in tables and figures.
 Include effect sizes, test statistics, and confidence intervals.
 Use appropriate legends and footnotes for clarity.
 Avoid overstating non-significant findings.
7. Documentation and Storage
 Store analysis scripts, outputs, and clean datasets securely.
 Maintain proper version control.
 All data and results should be backed up and accessible only to authorized
personnel

ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India


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