Taya A. Collyer
The eye of the beholder: how do public health researchers interpret regression coefficients? A qualitative study
Monash University|Frankston Hospital
abstract background calls improved statistical literacy transparency population health research widespread empirical accounts describing researchers understand statistical methods lacking address gap study aimed explore variation researchers interpretations understanding regression coefficients extent statistics viewed straightforward statements health methods thematic analysis qualitative data 45 onetoone interviews academics eight countries representing 12 disciplines three concepts sociology scientific knowledge science studies aided analysis duhems paradox agonistic field mechanical objectivity results interviewees viewed regression process discovering real relationships others indicated regression models direct representations others blended perspectives regression coefficients generally viewed mechanically objective instead interpretation described iterative nuanced sometimes depending prior understandings researchers reported considering numerous factors interpreting evaluating regression results including knowledge outside model whether results expected unexpected commonsense technical limitations study design influence researcher research question data quality data availability interviewees repeatedly highlighted role analyst reinforcing researchers answer questions assign meaning models conclusions regression coefficients generally viewed complete authoritative statements health contrasts teaching materials wherein statistical results presented straightforward representations subject rulebased interpretations practice appears regression coefficients understood mechanically objective attempts influence conduct presentation regression models population health sciences attuned myriad factors inform interpretation