Maintaining standards: Differences between the standard deviation and standard error, and when to use each

Journal/Book: Can J Psychiatry. 1996; 41: Suite 200, 237 Argyle Ave, Ottawa on K2P 1B8, Canada. Canadian Psychiatric Assoc. 498-502.

Abstract: Many people confuse the standard deviation (SD) and the standard error of the mean (SE) and are unsure which, if either, to use in presenting data in graphical or tabular form, The SD is an index of the variability of the original data points and should be reported in all studies. The SE reflects the variability of the mean values, as if the study were repeated a large number of times. By itself, the SE is not particularly useful; however, it is used in constructing 95% and 99% confidence intervals (CIs), which indicate a range of values within which the ''true'' value lies. The CI shows the reader how accurate the estimates of the population values actually are. If graphs are used, error bars equal to plus and minus 2 SEs (which show the 95% CI) should be drawn around mean values. Both statistical significance testing and CIs are useful because they assist the reader in determining the meaning of the findings.

Note: Article DL Streiner, Mcmaster Univ, Dept Clin Epidemiol & Biostat, 1200 Main St W, Hamilton, on L8N 3Z5, Canada

Keyword(s): statistics; standard deviation; standard error; confidence intervals; graphing

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