Statistical Challenges in Military Research
Abstract
The Center for Population Sciences at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center currently has five NIH/DOD funded grant projects addressing tobacco, alcohol abuse, and obesity prevention in partnership with the US Air Force (USAF) . These and future research projects inherently face certain statistical challenges resulting from environmental, policy, and behavioral constraints that are present and are not in control of the research team. Challenges are present at various stages of the research process. For example, during the design stage we cannot have a true control group or ask alcohol use related questions from underage Airmen. When estimating sample size and power needed for studies, we have a large number of Airmen clustered on multiple levels such as training flights within squadrons on a limited number of USAF bases. We collect outcome measures that tend to be zero skewed, such as intent to use tobacco products or consume alcohol in the future, which requires attention during data analysis. This paper will present several examples and solutions regarding statistical challenges researchers face at various stages of the process, and have to consider while planning and conducting studies in the USAF.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 30, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1036170
Entities
People
- Gerald W. Talcott
- Karen J. Derefinko
- Lauren Colvin
- Melissa A Little
- Rebecca A. Krukowski
- Robert C Klesges
- Zoran Bursac
Organizations
- 59th Medical Wing