Statistical hypotheses in biomedical research
https://doi.org/10.51922/1818-426X.2026.1.121
Abstract
The article presents the theoretical foundations of conducting medical and biological research, including the most important issues of their planning related to testing statistical hypotheses. The classification of statistical hypotheses, statistical criteria and stages of testing hypotheses based on the assessment of statistical criteria are described. The characteristics of type 1 and type 2 errors, statistical power, and statistical criteria that can be used to test hypotheses about the data distribution laws are given. It is shown that the choice of a statistical criterion for testing a statistical hypothesis depends on the purpose and objectives of the study, design, type of variable and data distribution, the number of sample populations and the number of observations in them, the power of the statistical criterion itself, which allows identifying differences or rejecting the null hypothesis.
The aim of this article is to attempt to demonstrate the need for testing statistical hypotheses at various stages of biomedical research used in evidence-based medicine. The importance of determining the optimal number of observations of the study group at the stage of research planning is shown, taking into account statistical power and errors of the 1st and 2nd types, ensuring the validity of the results of hypothesis testing. We hope that this article will help researchers to plan the study, correctly use statistical criteria for the analysis and interpretation of the obtained results based on the testing of the statistical hypothesis.
About the Authors
I. N. Moroz
Belarusian State Medical University
Belarus
Belarus
Minsk
S. V. Vlasava
Belarusian State Medical University
Belarus
Belarus
Minsk
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For citations:
Moroz I.N., Vlasava S.V. Statistical hypotheses in biomedical research. Medical Journal. 2026;(1):121-134. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.51922/1818-426X.2026.1.121
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