Standard error

Most clinical trials answer a question. But is it the right one? The estimands framework is changing how researchers define what they're actually trying to measure, and why it matters more than you'd think. In this episode, we unpack what an estimand is, why the difference between "intention to treat" and "what really happened" keeps statisticians up at night, and how g...

In this second instalment of a two-part series, we unpack some of the most commonly used – and most frequently misunderstood – statistical terms in clinical trials and medical research. From p-values and confidence intervals to power, effect sizes, and Type I versus Type II error, we explain what these terms actually mean, how they’re used in practice, and where people often go wrong.

In this first instalment of a two-part series, we unpack some of the most commonly used – and most frequently misunderstood – statistical terms in clinical trials and medical research. From p-values and confidence intervals to power, effect sizes, and Type I versus Type II error, we explain what these terms actually mean, how they’re used in practice, and where people often go wrong.

Adaptive clinical trials are often described as “new”, “innovative”, or even “controversial” — but what do they actually mean in practice? In this episode of  Standard Error , we unpack the core idea behind adaptive trial designs. Starting from first principles, we explain why adaptive designs emerged, what problems they are trying to solve, and when they genuinely add value over traditional fixed...

In this first episode, we step back from methods and results to ask a more fundamental question:  what are clinical trials?   We unpack the ethical, scientific, and practical reasons trials exist, from uncertainty and equipoise through to patient benefit, decision-making, and health system impact. This episode sets the foundation for the series, framing clinical trials not as abstract statistical...

The Standard Error  is a podcast about statistics, clinical trials, and the interpretation of evidence in medicine and health research. Hosted by researchers working in clinical trials and applied statistics, the podcast explores how evidence is generated, analysed, and communicated — and where common misunderstandings arise. Episodes examine core statistical concepts, trial design, and methodolog...