Statistical Literacy

Author(s)

David Lane

Troponin Concentration and Ventricular Strain

Prerequisites

Benefits, Rank Randomization for Two Conditions, Levels of Measurement

Cardiac troponins are markers of myocardial damage. The levels of troponin in subjects with and without signs of right ventricular strain in the electrocardiogram were compared in the experiment described here.

The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to test for significance. The troponin concentration in patients with signs of right ventricular strain was higher (median = 0.03 ng/ml) than in patients without right ventricular strain (median < 0.01 ng/ml), p<0.001.



What do you think?

Why might the authors have used the Wilcoxon test rather than a t test? Do you think the conclusions would have been different?

Please answer the questions:
correct feedback