3.9 Using Studies Wisely

Identify when it is appropriate to use information from a sample to make an inference about a population and when it is appropriate to make an inference about cause and effect.

Random selection of individuals allows inference about the population.

Random assignment of individuals to groups permits inference about cause and effect.

Evaluate if a statistical study has been carried out in an ethical manner.

All planned studies must be reviewed in advance by an institutional review board charged with protecting the safety and well-being of the subjects.

All individuals who are subjects in a study must give their informed consent before data are collected.

All individuals data must be kept confidential. Only statistical summaries for groups of subjects may be made public.