ABSTRACT
Good science and good statistics must go hand in hand. As the old song goes, you cannot have one without the other. Unfortunately, many researchers and policy analysts who try to influence our decisions with their studies have not learned to respect the fundamental importance of good science. (Actually, I suspect that quite a few studies are presented by people who do understand the importance of science but choose to ignore it.) Studies built on a flimsy scientific base are remarkably common, to the point of being considered normal. Healthcare decision makers must develop the knowledge and the courage not to take seriously the many studies that fail to pass muster on scientific grounds.
