Data from: A protocol for conducting and presenting results of regression-type analyses

Scientific investigation is of value only insofar as relevant results are
obtained and communicated, a task that requires organizing, evaluating,
analysing and unambiguously communicating the significance of data. In
this context, working with ecological data, reflecting the complexities
and interactions of the natural world, can be a challenge. Recent
innovations for statistical analysis of multifaceted interrelated data
make obtaining more accurate and meaningful results possible, but key
decisions of the analyses to use, and which components to present in a
scientific paper or report, may be overwhelming. We offer a 10-step
protocol to streamline analysis of data that will enhance understanding of
the data, the statistical models and the results, and optimize
communication with the reader with respect to both the procedure and the
outcomes. The protocol takes the investigator from study design and
organization of data (formulating relevant questions, visualizing data
collection, data exploration, identifying dependency), through conducting
analysis (presenting, fitting and validating the model) and presenting
output (numerically and visually), to extending the model via simulation.
Each step includes procedures to clarify aspects of the data that affect
statistical analysis, as well as guidelines for written presentation.
Steps are illustrated with examples using data from the literature.
Following this protocol will reduce the organization, analysis and
presentation of what may be an overwhelming information avalanche into
sequential and, more to the point, manageable, steps. It provides
guidelines for selecting optimal statistical tools to assess data
relevance and significance, for choosing aspects of the analysis to
include in a published report and for clearly communicating information.