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Abstract :
[en] Introduction Even if the literature highlights the importance of developing (bio)statistical literacy (BSL) through curricula and lifelong trainings, few links are made between the BSL and practices of researchers about statistics. However, the causes of statistical misconducts like p-hacking or HARKing are manifold [1] and need to be investigated as a whole with an appropriate BSL framework.
Framework development A BSL framework will be developed and validated based on current (B)SL definitions[2] and the theory of planned behaviour[3] in order to understand the intentional and behavioural demonstrations, i.e. (intentions) to read/perform statistical reports or analyses - when, why, how often and how - through perceived self-efficacy as consumer and producer of statistics, attitudes towards statistics, subjective norm like pressure and practices from colleagues and basic knowledge of statistic. The objectives of the study will be to assess the BSL by investigating associations among the dimensions of the proposed BSL framework. Also, external factors, notably researchers’ educational background in statistics, their professional experience and socio-demographic characteristics will be studied in relation to the BSL dimensions.
Methods A cross-sectional study with the population of interest including health scientific and academic staff at Belgian universities will be conducted. The study has been approved by the University Hospital of Liège Ethics committee. The Delphi method will be used to validate some parts of the BSL dimensions while Cronbach α will be computed to assess internal consistency. Further, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis will be used to validate the factor structure. Structural equation modelling will be employed to analyse the associations between the BSL dimensions, some of which will be treated as latent variable, and to test the effect of the external factors on these dimensions. Statistical analyses will be performed using the statistical package SAS and R with appropriate packages as lavaan.
Conclusion The data collected will enable to establish the links between the BSL dimensions among health researchers at Belgian universities, and to suggest ways forward, particularly in terms of adapting or reinforcing existing BSL curriculum and instructional practices.
1. Hardwicke TE et al. Calibrating the scientific ecosystem through meta-research. Annu Rev Stat Its Appl. 2020;7 Volume 7, 2020:11–37.
2. Gal I. Adults’ Statistical Literacy: Meanings, Components, Responsibilities. Int Stat Rev. 2002;70:1–25.
3. Hein de Vries, Margo Dijkstra PK. Self-efficacy: the third factor besides attitude and subjective norm as a predictor of behavioural intentions. Health Educ Res. 1988;3:273–82.
