Significance Chasing in Hand Surgery Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Significance chasing occurs when data is manipulated to achieve statistical significance. Evidence for such practice is now well known across scientific disciplines. This study aimed to identify if such a phenomenon exists in Hand Surgery literature. Methods: All p values contained in the articles published in three prominent Hand Surgery journals were analysed. The preponderance of values just under 0.05 was then studied by statistical methods. Results: 3,124 p values were recorded, with 1,320 values <0.05. A statistically significant preponderance of values between 0.04 and 0.05 was noted (Binomial test, p = 0.0441). The 0.05 point was also found to have the greatest deviation from a best fit exponential curve. Conclusions: Significance chasing is possibly existent in Hand Surgery literature as well.