Citation

Smith ML, Goltz HH. Health Promot. Pract. 2012; 13(5): 637-641.

Affiliation

1The University of Georgia College of Public Health, GA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Society for Public Health Education, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1524839911419290

PMID

22923774

Abstract

Yule-Simpson's paradox (YSP) often occurs when statistical data are aggregated from multiple groups, research sites, or time points. If YSP-type effects go unrecognized, health educators risk yielding erroneous and spurious findings or misinterpreting study data. These paradoxical effects may be avoided if health researchers carefully consider strategies to avoid YSP at the onset of and throughout research studies. This article presents strategies to reduce or avoid YSP-type effects across multiple stages of the research process. A practical checklist is also provided to minimize the likelihood YSP will go unnoticed in research studies.

Language: en