Checking Assumptions
Given that the validity of conclusions drawn from a statistical analysis depend on the validity of any assumptions made, it is clearly important that these assumptions should be reviewed at some stage. In some instances, for example where data are lacking, this may have to be restricted to just making a judgement about whether an assumption is reasonable. This can be expanded slightly to try to judge what effect a departure from the assumptions might have. Where more extensive data are available, various types of procedure for statistical model validation are available, in particular for regression model validation.
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