liitännäisanalyysien

Liitännäisanalyysit, often translated as supplementary analyses or post-hoc analyses, refer to statistical investigations performed after the primary data analysis of a study has been completed. These analyses are not pre-specified in the original study protocol or statistical analysis plan. They are typically generated to explore the data further, investigate unexpected findings, or answer questions that arise during the initial interpretation of results.

The purpose of liitännäisanalyysit can vary widely. They might involve examining subgroups of participants, testing for secondary endpoints, or exploring relationships between variables that were not part of the original hypothesis. While they can sometimes generate new hypotheses or provide valuable insights, it is crucial to interpret their findings with caution.

A key concern with liitännäisanalyysit is the increased risk of type I errors, also known as false positives. Because multiple tests are conducted without prior adjustment for multiplicity, the probability of finding a statistically significant result purely by chance increases. Therefore, results from liitännäisanalyysit are generally considered exploratory and require confirmation in independent studies. They are not typically used as primary evidence for efficacy or safety claims. Researchers should clearly distinguish between pre-specified analyses and liitännäisanalyysit in their reporting to avoid misinterpretation by readers and policymakers.